Sloppy Joes from Scratch
These delicious Sloppy Joes from scratch will blow your mind! Well, that might be a little dramatic, but they are really stinkin’ good!
I was forced to conjure up this recipe years ago when I found myself with Sloppy Joes on the menu, but alas, no Manwich! GASP! After some trial and error, this has been our go to way to create the most delicious, flavorful, and tangy Sloppy Joes any night of the week!
Over the years, it’s become my mission to get rid of much of the prepackaged/processed foods from our home kitchen. I’ve learned that many times it’s just as fast to prepare a from scratch version of a particular food than reaching for a canned sauce or seasoning packet. Its better for us 100% of the time too!
How to Make Sloppy Joes from Scratch
To get your Sloppy Joes from scratch on the table, begin by browning a pound of ground beef. Once the beef is about half way cooked, add in 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper and 1/2 cup finely chopped onion. Let that all saute together and get your kitchen smelling delicious!
Once the veggies are soft and the beef is browned, add in 1 TBSP fresh minced garlic. This will only need about a minute to cook.
I generally let mine simmer like this long enough for some of the fat to dissipate and I don’t mind leaving a little grease in the pan for the sauce. If you’d like you can drain the grease now.
Now it’s time for the sauce! Add 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup water, 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp Siracha, 1 TBSP brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
Stir this all around until well combined and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve on your favorite burger buns and enjoy!
How to Change up Sloppy Joes from Scratch
Need a way to use up leftovers or just jazz up your normal Sloppy Joe in a bun meal? Check out these ideas to create a whole new meal!
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
Spread your Sloppy Joe meat on the bottom of a casserole dish. Top it with a layer of frozen corn or carrots or whatever veggie you think might sound good. Next, create a layer of tater tots by lining them neatly on top of your veggie layer. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and bake at 375 until your tots are crispy! This is one of our favorites!
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Simply top a hot and steamy baked potato with Sloppy Joe meat, onions, cheese, maybe even bacon! Get crazy!
Sloppy Joe Shepherd’s Pie
Use the Sloppy Joe meat as the ground beef layer in your favorite Shepherds Pie recipe.
Sloppy Joe Melts
Toss a scoop of Sloppy Joe meat into a grilled cheese sandwich of sorts. Think of it as the Frisco Melt of the Sloppy Joe world!
Sloppy Joe Pockets
Wrap spoonful’s of Sloppy Joe meat in either a canned biscuit dough that’s been rolled out flat or in bits of your favorite pizza dough. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes. YUM!
Get Creative!
These Sloppy Joes from Scratch are a favorite in our home. I hope you’ll give them a try at your next meal. Creating home cooked meals from scratch can be intimidating, but finding small wins along the way will build confidence and push you towards your next homemade adventure!
