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Sloppy Joes Sandwiches

Name: Sloppy Joes Sandwiches
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons prepared mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 hamburger buns, split

106 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jun. 01, 2023

You’ll love this quick, easy and economical homemade sloppy joe recipe. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 hamburger buns, split

Directions

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve on buns.

Homemade Sloppy Joe Tips

Do you drain the meat for sloppy joes?

We suggest draining the browned beef, because excess grease serves as a barrier to sloppy joe seasonings. You'll want the beef to absorb these wonderful flavors as it cooks.

How do you thicken sloppy joes?

If your meat mixture seems too thin after simmering for 15 to 20 minutes, cook, uncovered, until it reaches the desired consistency, stirring frequently. You could also try making a thickening agent by combining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Stir into the filling towards the end of cooking time and simmer until thickened.

What can I add to sloppy joes?

Sloppy joes are excellent for sparking your creativity! Stir in chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, green chilies or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can even top the filling with pickles or a slice of melted cheese. To really ramp up your sloppy joe game, check out these unique sloppy joe recipes or any of these quick sloppy joe recipes.

Nutrition Facts

1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.