10 Best Sloppy Joe Recipe Variations to Transform Your Dinner Tonight

Classic Sloppy Joes

Classic Sloppy Joes are the perfect comfort food that brings families together with their sweet and tangy flavor. This traditional American recipe has been passed down through generations and remains a beloved weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 6 hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic. Set aside all ingredients for easy access during cooking.
2. Cook the onions: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and softened.
3. Add garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
5. Drain excess fat: If there’s excess grease in the pan, carefully drain it off, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
6. Create the sauce: Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
7. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
8. Prepare buns: While the mixture simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired for extra texture.
9. Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun, top with the other half, and serve immediately while hot.

Serving Tips:

• Serve with classic sides like French fries, potato chips, or coleslaw
• Add pickles on the side for extra tang
• For extra flavor, try adding a slice of cheese on top of the meat mixture
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7 or 99/1)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 hamburger buns
• Optional: pickles, cheese slices for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
2. Heat the pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the turkey. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
5. Add garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
7. Combine: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the turkey and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
8. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
9. Taste and adjust: Season with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
10. Toast buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired.
11. Serve: Spoon the turkey sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Add pickles or cheese if using, then top with the other half of the bun.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6

Tips: For extra flavor, let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. These can be made ahead and reheated. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

BBQ Sloppy Joes

This smoky BBQ Sloppy Joes recipe brings together the classic comfort of sloppy joes with rich barbecue flavors, creating a perfect sandwich that’s both tangy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4-6 hamburger buns
• Coleslaw for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the meat: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
4. Create the sauce: Add barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
6. Season and adjust: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more barbecue sauce. For sweetness, add a bit more brown sugar.
7. Serve: Toast the hamburger buns lightly. Spoon the BBQ sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw if desired, then place the top bun over the filling.

Serving Tips:

• Serve immediately while hot with potato chips or fries
• The mixture can be kept warm in a slow cooker for parties
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Try serving on toasted brioche buns for an extra special touch

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

This delicious fusion combines the best of two American classics – the iconic Philly cheesesteak and the beloved sloppy joe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
• 4-6 hamburger buns
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
2. Add garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the beef: Push vegetables to one side of the pan and add ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Mix the beef with the vegetables.
4. Season the mixture: Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Add cheese: Reduce heat to low and layer provolone cheese slices over the beef mixture. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
6. Prepare buns: While cheese is melting, lightly toast hamburger buns with butter in a separate pan or toaster.
7. Serve: Gently stir the melted cheese into the beef mixture. Spoon generously onto toasted buns and serve immediately while hot.

Serving Tips:

Serve with crispy fries or onion rings for the complete Philly experience. These sloppy joes are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

Walking Tacos Sloppy Joes

This Mexican-American fusion dish combines the classic comfort of sloppy joes with the bold flavors of tacos, creating a unique and delicious meal that’s perfect for casual dining or parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup salsa (medium heat)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4-6 hamburger buns
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the meat mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
2. Add aromatics: Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Season the meat: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Create the sauce: Add tomato sauce, salsa, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Prepare the buns: While the mixture simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a toaster or on a griddle until golden brown.
7. Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired.
8. Serve: Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while hot. Provide extra napkins as these can be deliciously messy!

Chef’s Tips:

• For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
• Serve with tortilla chips on the side for the full “walking taco” experience
• These can be made ahead and reheated – the flavors actually improve overnight

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4-6 people

Vegetarian Lentil Sloppy Joes

This hearty plant-based version of the classic Sloppy Joe uses protein-rich lentils to create a satisfying, nutritious meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried red lentils (or 2 cups cooked lentils)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Cook the lentils: If using dried lentils, rinse them thoroughly. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender and most liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
4. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Season and adjust: Taste and season with salt and pepper. If mixture is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. If too thin, continue simmering until thickened.
6. Serve: Toast hamburger buns if desired. Spoon the lentil mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the buns, top with the other half, and serve immediately.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke
• Serve with pickles and coleslaw on the side
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• This mixture also works great as a topping for baked potatoes or rice

Sweet and Sour Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4-6 hamburger buns
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
5. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet along with the broth. Stir well to combine.
6. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
7. Final touches: Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil and sliced green onions. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Serve: Toast the hamburger buns lightly. Spoon the sweet and sour sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom buns and top with the other half. Serve immediately while hot.

Serving suggestion: Serve with Asian-style coleslaw or steamed rice for a complete fusion meal. Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Chicken Sloppy Joes

Chicken Sloppy Joes is a healthier twist on the classic American comfort food, using lean ground chicken instead of beef while maintaining all the delicious, messy goodness of the original.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 hamburger buns
• Pickle slices for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
3. Add vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
5. Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
6. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Prepare buns: Toast hamburger buns lightly if desired.
8. Serve: Spoon the chicken mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with pickle slices and the other bun half. Serve immediately with napkins!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of finely diced celery along with the onion and bell pepper
• The mixture can be made ahead and reheated – it tastes even better the next day
• Serve with coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete meal
• This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook

Pizza Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6-8 hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
2. Add aromatics: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the meat: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Season the mixture: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
5. Add sauce: Pour in pizza sauce and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
6. Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Prepare buns: Toast hamburger buns lightly if desired.
8. Assemble: Spoon the pizza sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Final touch: Place under broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese on top, then add the top bun and serve immediately.

Serving suggestions: Serve with crispy potato chips, pickles, or a side salad. These pizza-inspired sloppy joes are perfect for casual dinners, game day, or kid-friendly meals.

Bacon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes

This indulgent twist on the classic sloppy joe combines crispy bacon, melted cheese, and savory ground beef for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Make the sauce: Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
5. Add bacon and cheese: Stir in the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and well combined.
6. Prepare buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns in a toaster or under the broiler until golden brown.
7. Assemble and serve: Spoon the bacon cheeseburger mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top with remaining shredded cheese and cover with the top buns. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese
• Add pickles or jalapeños for a tangy kick
• Serve with crispy fries or onion rings on the side
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

With these 10 amazing variations, you’ll never run out of exciting ways to enjoy this beloved comfort food classic. Whether you choose the traditional approach or venture into bold fusion territory, each sloppy joe recipe offers its own unique charm and flavor profile. So grab your favorite buns, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some seriously satisfying meals that will become new household favorites. Your dinner table will never be the same!