Easy Sloppy Joes (My Grandma's Recipe) - Stuck On Sweet (2024)

Sloppy Joes are a timeless American classic recipe that has been a staple in households for generations. There’s something special about crafting your own homemade Sloppy Joes from scratch! I am sharing my Grandma’s recipe with you today which I hold near and dear to my heart. She used ground beef and cooked it with onion, green pepper and garlic and then stirred in ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar and a little hot sauce and let it all simmer until the meat was tender and the sauce thickened. This nostalgic recipe is definitely a keeper and will continue being enjoyed for years to come!

The History of Sloppy Joes:

The origins of Sloppy Joes trace back to the early 20th century, with several claims to its invention. My personal favorite story credits a cook named Joe from Sioux City, Iowa who served loose meat sandwiches to patrons in the 1930s. Being that I am from Iowa, this story makes my heart happy. Sloppy Joes quickly became a hit, spreading across the US and becoming a beloved comfort food staple. No wonder my Grandma has been making them for years!

My Grandma’s Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe:

Now, let’s dive into making the recipe! Here’s what you need to get you started.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef: The classic meat choice for sloppy joes. The fat content of ground beef adds so much flavor.
• Onion: another classic that’s added for flavor.
• Garlic: Similar to onion, it’s a classic staple ingredient to flavor the meat.
• Green pepper: green pepper pairs well with ground beef and my grandma used it, so I have to use it, too!
• Ketchup: the base for the sauce. It’s important to have a sweet and salty sauce base.
• Yellow mustard: I like the kick this gives to the overall dish.
• Brown sugar: adding a little sweetness offsets the salt.
• Tobasco sauce: adds just a touch of spice.
• Water: water helps brings everything together and allows the meat tenderize while simmering.
• Salt and pepper: use as needed. I typically salt and pepper at the end.
• Bread and butter pickles: my favorite pickle hands down. I love how it pairs with the sloppy joes.
• A good bun: a soft bun is perfect to soak up all the juices of sloppy joes.

Instructions:

Now that we have gone through the ingredients, let’s take a look at how to make Sloppy Joes!

1.) In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add diced onion and green pepper. Let cook for few minutes then add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

2.) Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

3.) Next, add the ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, hot sauce and water to the pot and stir. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer 20 minutes allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Taste for seasoning – add salt and pepper to your liking. Serve on a bun and enjoy!

Tips for Customizing Your Sloppy Joes:

• Add extra vegetables: Feel free to add additional veggies such as diced celery, carrot or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
• Healthier substitutions: Use tomato sauce instead of ketchup and coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
• Spice it up: Kick up the heat by adding additional hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Try different meats: While traditional Sloppy Joes use ground beef, you could also use ground turkey, chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Get creative with toppings: Serve your sloppy Joes with shredded cheese, or even coleslaw for an added crunch.
• Take a whole different approach and make Sloppy Joe Nachos, a Sloppy Joe Dog (on top of a hot dog) or serve over noodles.

Sloppy Joes are much more than a sandwich to me – they’re a comforting reminder of simpler times and cherished family meals around my grandparent’s dinner table. I hope my Grandma’s recipe brings as much joy to you as it does to me. I would love to see pictures of your own homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe! Please send me pictures, leave a comment or check out my Instagram page!