Looking for a perfect sandwich or rather something less divine? Check out this Sloppy Joe recipe that will make someone’s day any time!

Sloppy Joe is sandwich consisting of ground beef prepared with onions, some sort of tomato sauce and various other seasoning then filled into a hamburger bun.

It’s origin most likely roots in the loose meat, also known as tavern sandwiches sold in the 1930’ Sioux city, Iowa. Tavern sandwiches are remarkably similar to hamburgers with the notable difference that the meat is not formed into a patty but cooked loose, hence the name “loose meat” or “loosemeat”.

The name “tavern sandwich” comes from a restaurant “Ye Olde Tavern” that specialized in loosemeat sandwiches, exploring the unknown and presenting the best of it for the wider audience.

According to legend, Joe was one of the chefs in Ye Olde Tavern and the tomato-soaked ground meat was his specialty. As of today, no one came to claim to be that specific Joe or deny its existence, thus we can take this as the true origin story of the dish.

With or without Joe, Sloppy Joes were soon picked up by other restaurants in the area then producing them for the masses by food companies weren’t far behind either. The 60’ was Sloppy Joe prime time as it reached into even the smallest corners of the States without much help from social media influencers.

Nowadays regional variations exists across the United States. In some regions, they are known as “loose meat sandwiches” or “barbecue sandwiches.” Each variation may have its own unique blend of seasonings or regional twists on the sauce, reflecting the local culinary preferences.

Sloppy joes are traditionally served on hamburger buns, but they can also be enjoyed with other bread options like rolls or brioche buns. Common accompaniments include coleslaw, pickles, or a side of French fries. The versatility of sloppy joes allows for creative serving suggestions, such as using the filling as a topping for baked potatoes, as a filling for quesadillas, or even in a casserole.

Luckily, perfecting our own Sloppy Joe won’t take nearly as long as losing a couple of pounds or getting a college degree since it only needs a couple of ingredients to stir one together and even if we fail to get it perfect the first time with a bit of love, it will be just fine.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons / 30g Cooking oil
2 medium / 250g Onion (diced)
6 cloves / 18g Garlic (finely diced)
2 lb/ 1000g Ground beef
1 medium / 100g Italian pepper (diced)
2 teaspoons / 30g Mustard (Dijon is generally sugar free)
3 tablespoons / 54g Tomato paste
1 cup / 250g Tomato sauce
1 cup / 250g Water
2 teaspoons / 4g Paprika
2 teaspoons / 10g Salt
1 teaspoon / 3g Black pepper
Hot sauce to taste
Check out how to make: Bread Rolls Recipe

How to make Sloppy Joe

1. Heat oil to high then sauté (stir-fry) the diced onion until glassy / translucent look, about 3 – 5 minutes.
2. Add finely diced or crushed garlic then sauté until it gets fragrant, about 1 – 3 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and sauté until no pink is visible and it is completely browned, about 5 – 10 minutes.
4. Throw in the chopped Italian pepper, mustard, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, paprika, salt, black pepper and any optional hot sauce or spices.
5. Mix well, put the lid on then bring it to boil.
6. Lower the heat to medium low then let it simmer until about ¼ of the liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Placing the lid halfway on may speed up the reduction process but the longer we cook the beef, the better taste it will have. Cooking true Bolognese Sauce for 4 hours is not a coincidence. Let the sauce cool somewhat then it’s ready t0 be filled into rolls.

Enjoy!

F.A.Q.

What is a sloppy joe?

A sloppy joe is a classic American sandwich made with ground beef or other meat cooked in a seasoned tomato-based sauce. It is typically served on a hamburger bun and enjoyed as a messy but delicious meal.

Can we use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, different types of meat or even a meat substitute can be used if preferred. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are alternatives to ground beef. For vegetarians or vegans, plant-based ground meat substitutes, such as textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu, can be used to create a delicious vegetarian or vegan sloppy joe.

What are some optional ingredients we can add to our sloppy joes?

There are various optional ingredients that can be added to customize sloppy joes to our liking. Some popular additions include diced tomatoes, hot sauce or chili flakes for extra spice, diced jalapenos or green chilies for a kick, grated cheese for melting on top, or even pickles and coleslaw as toppings.

How can we store leftover sloppy joes?

If there is any leftover sloppy joe filling, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or use a microwave. Make sure to also store any leftover hamburger buns separately to maintain their freshness.

Can sloppy joes be frozen?

Yes, sloppy joes can be frozen. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Make sure to label the container with the date. Sloppy joes can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

What are some serving suggestions for sloppy joes?

Sloppy joes are often served as a sandwich, but there are other creative ways to enjoy them. The sloppy joe filling can be served over rice or noodles for a different twist. It can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes or in quesadillas. Serve alongside some crispy fries, a side salad, or coleslaw to complete the meal.

Are sloppy joes gluten-free?

The gluten-free status of sloppy joes depends on the ingredients used. Some ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce or certain brands of ketchup, may contain gluten. To make gluten-free sloppy joes, ensure that all the ingredients used, including the sauces and spices, are labeled as gluten-free or make homemade versions with gluten-free ingredients.