Some recipes stick around for a reason. This sloppy Joe recipe has been in my family for over 40 years, starting with my grandma who was all about practicality. It’s a unique recipe because it’s not overly sweet, there’s no chopping, and the addition of sage makes it a little extra.
I’ve made these sloppy Joes more times than I can count. It’s one of my auto-pilot recipes that I don’t have to think about. (We all need those!) Over the years, I’ve kept the heart of her recipe intact while making small tweaks to keep it fresh and weeknight-friendly. The result? A recipe that honors tradition but still feels right at home in today’s kitchens.
Serve it on a soft gluten-free bun, spoon it over roasted sweet potatoes, or pile it onto fries for the best version of chili fries you’ve ever had.
What is a Sloppy Joe?
A Sloppy Joe is a sandwich containing a tomato sauce-coated ground beef mixture. It often contains onion, Worcestershire and a small amount of sweetener, but not always. They’re typically a little messy to eat, hence the name.
The name is thought to have originated from a midwestern cook named Joe who added tomato sauce to his “loose meat” sandwiches.
Four Ways to Serve this Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe!
Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe Ingredients
First, this is a great recipe because the sloppy joe meat isn't overly sweet or fussy. You don't even need a knife for this.
For reals. No chopping anything. Not even onions. Or bell peppers. This is a green bell pepper free recipe.
And there's just a handful of ingredients. Most of them you probably have on hand already:
- chili powder
- dried onions
- ketchup
- mustard
- (here's the secret ingredient: ground sage)
- And no extra sugar. The only sugar is from the ketchup, which can be a pretty low amount depending on what kind you buy.
And second, it's my grandma's recipe. No, not Grandma Inez. My Grandma LaRue, who claims she's a "horrible cook." I sense that she doesn't enjoy cooking, but I have to disagree with her. In fact, two of my favorite family recipes come from her, my favorite chocolate cake. And these Sloppy Joe's.
How to Make Sloppy Joes without Brown Sugar
- Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your beef is extra lean, you may want to add a tablespoon of oil to keep it from sticking to the pan. Drain off any oil, if needed.
- Return pan to skillet and add the remaining ingredients plus water. Stir well and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Serve with buns or lettuce leaves, shredded cheese, Sweet Potato Fries, and (our recommendation) pickles.
Serving this Sloppy Joe Recipe without Brown Sugar
I have to admit -- eating these as a lettuce wrap gives a whole new meaning to the word "sloppy."
Most of the time we make them easier to eat and turn them into Sloppy Joe Salads. Or "Salad Joe's". It's much easier to eat! I actually prefer to eat them over a pile of Sweet Potato Fries. Like chili fries, but better.
If you're not into salads, but still want these to be gluten-free, try serving the sloppy joe meat over a baked potato or baked sweet potato. Or with some jasmine rice. Or roasted cauliflower rice. Or in a bowl with assorted roasted vegetables. Sloppy Joe's definitely don't have to be confined to a bland hamburger bun.
Grab a large skillet and go to town, guys. You wouldn't be disappointed if you doubled this recipe, either. Our little family has started eating a full batch, and I like having leftovers for a couple of days for lunches.
You might be tempted to substitute ground turkey for the beef. I have a feeling that you'd be disappointed, my friends. The beef gives these a richness that ground turkey definitely doesn't have. And if you get grass-feed beef, it's much healthier than most ground turkey you find in the grocery store.
If you're looking for a vegan version, try mushroom and cashew-based Vegan Sloppy Joes!
How to Store these Easy Sloppy Joes
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
If you make one of my recipes, I'd love to see! Post it on social media and tag me at @perrysplate or #perrysplate so I can send you some love!
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference is what meat you use - Sloppy Janes use minced turkey or chicken whereas Sloppy Joes are generally made using minced beef.
This will depend on what meat you use for you Sloppy Joes. If it looks too greasy for your taste, then pour the fat out of your pan.
If you use lean mince, you might need to add a bit of oil to your pan to prevent sticking.
Since this recipe isn’t confined to a hamburger bun that can be eaten like a sandwich, I would use a fork. They are super messy after all!
Sloppy Joes without Brown Sugar
Why are these the best Sloppy Joe's ever? Well, they're not overly sweet or fussy. You don't even need a knife. (Honest!) And eating it over a pile of sweet potato fries puts chili fries to shame.
Ingredients
- 1 - 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (organic, grass-fed, if possible)
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce (two 8-ounce cans are also fine)
- ½ teaspoon dried, ground sage
- 2 Tablespoons plain yellow mustard
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup (see note)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your beef is extra lean, you may want to add a tablespoon of oil to keep it from sticking to the pan. Drain off any oil, if needed.
- Return pan to skillet and add the remaining ingredients plus ⅓ cup of water. Stir well and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Serve with buns or lettuce leaves, shredded cheese, Sweet Potato Fries, and (our recommendation) pickles.
Notes
Nat's Note:
- If you'd rather not use ketchup, leave it out or replace it with a Tablespoon of honey to keep the sweetness.
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marla says
I can see why these would be the best ~ looks like amazing sloppy joe's!
Rachel Cooks says
These do look amazing!
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
I can't wait to get sloppy'd!
Karly says
I'm not sure how you take a picture of a simple sloppy joe and make it look like the world's fanciest dinner, but you did. I think I need these for dinner this weekend!
Natalie Perry says
Haha. Thx Karly :) I think I just get lucky sometimes!
Joanne says
I love family recipes like this that evolve over time. And I second Karly! If I tried to photograph this...it would look like brown mush.
Cassie says
This sounds soooo good, Natalie! I have been craving sloppy joe's lately. Perfect!
Bree says
My son has been asking for sloppy joes so thanks for the great recipe!
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen says
These look delicious!
Kate says
I will have to try these on lettuce wraps as well!! :)
Peggy says
These look WAY better than Manwich! And I love the idea of putting it in a lettuce wrap =)
Lauren says
I going to try this out soon with the lettuce wrap. I don't have arrowroot powder but maybe I'll add some coconut flour to thicken it a bit.
Dave says
Not a fan definitely not the best sloppy joes ever :(
Natalie Perry says
Sorry they weren't your thing, Dan!
Emily @ She Makes and Bakes says
I've been searching for a Sloppy Joe recipe that doesn't have bell pepper in it...can't wait to try these!
India says
Just took my last bite of these - good! I was nervous after Dave wrote, but we approve and my husband is quite critical. I did add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and in the future would decrease the mustard (my hubby isn't a big fan). The GREAT thing about this was I have been looking for a sloppy joe recipe without condensed soup because of the corn syrup in it...found it! Thanks, Natalie.
PS. I feel like we "know" you because I told my hubby this dish was yours and that you were the same person who posted the garbanzo salad from Carla's book. :)
Brittney says
Did not turn out the way I was hoping. Had a very strange taste.
Kia says
Made these today and they were delicious. Thanks a million; I think these just became a staple in my house!
nikki says
I made these tonight and they were amazing. I added 1 tablespoon of honey just to cut the mustard taste since hubby isn't a fan and served it over cornbread. Thanks for the recipe!
Yvonne says
Fantastic.....planned on making Sloppy Joes for dinner...Crap! Realized I didn't have any Manwich......good ol Pintrest.....never again will I buy Manwich these were GREAT!
Used fresh diced tomatoes and cornstarch...
Robin says
These are really good! Glad I added the salt a little at a time, though...1/4 teaspoon is perfect! And I love salt! Maybe you used some low-sodium products in yours? Not sure, but it's a great recipe. Thanks :-)
Brittany says
These are amazing sloppy joes. This will be the third time we will be enjoying them, my husband loves the lettuce wraps!!!
Jade says
Made these last night....I added a few tablespoons of brown sugar too and did need to add any thickener. I used fresh onion instead of dried. The soppy joes were perfect like this at least for me and the boyfriend he loved them and is now asking if we can have them again next week. Thanks for the recipe
TjNurse93 says
After 5 years of being together, my husband suddenly says he loves Sloppy Joe's. So having recently gone organic, I was able to make these and made homemade hamburger buns to go with them. My husband and I loved them and we also found a new hamburger bun recipe on Pinterest.
Thanks so much for sharing your recipe. It is now written into my new recipe book I started for 'from scratch' recipes.
Natalie Perry says
Congrats on making such a big step! I'm so glad you liked our sloppy joes. Best of luck in your cooking ventures! :)
Katie Sullivan says
Just made this for the first time, I thought it was very good. I can taste the mustard but I think it tastes good! Will for sure make this again! Also super quick and easy!!
Michelle says
I've never been a fan of sloppy joes, but my son really enjoys them, so I made these to freeze for his lunches. They are good! I freeze individual portions in jars, and then we have sloppy joes at the ready whenever he needs them for lunch. I have to say, I may be a convert! Thanks so much for the recipe. :)
Andrea says
Making these tonight for the second time. They are delicious and fast. And I like making them myself so I know what's in them. I used cornstarch for thickener. The pickles are a must! We love them on small split top potato rolls for sloppy joe sliders. Fun and yum!
Natalie Perry says
So glad you like them! Thanks!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
Found this on FBHEO and I just had to hop on over here an pin it! Looks phenomenal and super easy!!
Margaret says
Could you tell me what you could substitute for sage? My husband hates sage. I would hate to make this and have to throw it out. Thank you.
Natalie Perry says
Hi Margaret! The sage flavor isn't prominent in these, but if you feel like you need to omit it, go ahead. You don't need to replace it with anything.
Diana says
@Margaret, try Cumin. I'm making these for my daughter and SIL tonight as i have no peppers in the house and cant get to the store until tomorrow.
But when i read the ingredients to the recipe i instantly thought what I'd substitute the sage for, as I'm not a fan of this spice. So that's what I'm gonna do! I love Cumin (it's not spicey) in my sloppy joes and I use it in them all the time! Yum! 😋
Natalie Perry says
Cumin would be a great substitution!
Cristina Melvin says
We never had canned sloppy joe before as a family, but this has become a favorite at our house. My daughter makes it and we love it. I did use cornstarch instead of the arrowroot, but otherwise kept the recipe as is.
Thank you!
Cristina M.
Natalie Perry says
I'm so glad to hear that!
Kimberly says
My favorite way to eat these *sans bun*, is over a baked sweet potato! Seriously though, try it!!
Natalie Perry says
Yes! We love that, too!
Dana says
Hi Natalie! I’ve made your sloppy joe recipe many times before (love it!), but tonight was the first time I served it over sweet potato fries...I’m giving you a ton of high fives because WOW! I’ll never eat them any other way again : )
Thanks for another regular menu item!
Warmly,
Dana
Natalie Perry says
Amazing, right??
Rachel Robulock says
Natalie, thank you for sending me this recipe!
Our family loves Sloppy Joes !!!
I am Greek background so ours is plain tomato sauce from the can, parsley, Olive oil, real onion chopped & real garlic pressed, just a little brown sugar or honey, never too sweet. I add hot sauce to my liking at the end.
Natalie Perry says
I like that "never too sweet" part. I don't like most Sloppy Joe recipes for that reason! It's always too sweet!
David says
Sloppy Joe’s my fav. But on your recipe. Maybe I’m
Missing it. Is the tapioca a dry tapioca pudding mix? You talk about the arrowroot using it too. Then you mention using flour. I’m not following here. I’d love to try this.
Natalie Perry says
No, it's just tapioca starch as a replacement for cornstarch or flour. You can just omit it if you like.
David says
You stated no additional sugar because the ketchup gives the sweetness. But I’m the recipe listed there is no sugar listed as an ingredient. Am I reading this wrong? I love sloppy Joe’s.
Natalie Perry says
Oops. I updated the recipe and took out the ketchup. I apologize! I used a little honey instead of ketchup to avoid using refined sugar, but you can either use ketchup or add honey.
David says
Restate my comment. You have no ketchup listed as an ingredient. Just the honey. Do you add ketchup also?
Imelda The Hon says
I've made similar recipes using ground bison and that is also very good.
Natalie Perry says
Good to know! Bison is great.
Diana says
Hi. I cant wait to make these today!!! I will have to do some switching and adjusting of two ingredients as my hubby and i are not huge fans of sage or mustard. But I need a recipe with no peppers as we are out and i cant get to the store til tomorrow and i need to get the ground beef cooked as its defrosted on day 2 now. Eek! I will be using 2 TBLSP of Ground Cumin and 1/2 Teaspon of mustard. Cumin to replace the sage but switching the amount with the mustard 🙃 Also defintely adding honey per your suggestion! Yum!
Natalie Perry says
Sounds like you have your question answered :) Enjoy!
Dorothy says
Not my favorite. I found the mixture to be a little bitter. After 50+ years cooking, I decided to “doctor” them a little. I added a tablespoon of sugar, several thin strips, chopped fine, red, yellow and orange peppers, a little paprika and a little pepper. It helped.
One definite bonus is without my additions, the recipe is very easy to assemble. Also everyone’s taste is different. My recommendation would be to follow the recipe as posted, if not to your liking, make it your own by adding what your family likes!
Natalie Perry says
I think I'm probably the minority in that I don't like my sloppy joe's sweet. :) I'm glad you adapted it to your liking!