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Home » Recipes » Main Dish » Homemade Sloppy Joes

Homemade Sloppy Joes

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Recipe Cost $9.34
Recipe Serving Cost $1.56
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
Homemade Sloppy Joes is a classic dinner recipe that is easy to make and economical too! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and costs just $9.34 for a serving of 6! That's just $1.56 per serving!  via @easybudgetrecipesHomemade Sloppy Joes is a classic dinner recipe that is easy to make and economical too! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and costs just $9.34 for a serving of 6! That's just $1.56 per serving!  via @easybudgetrecipesHomemade Sloppy Joes is a classic dinner recipe that is easy to make and economical too! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and costs just $9.34 for a serving of 6! That's just $1.56 per serving!  via @easybudgetrecipesHomemade Sloppy Joes is a classic dinner recipe that is easy to make and economical too! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and costs just $9.34 for a serving of 6! That's just $1.56 per serving!  via @easybudgetrecipesHomemade Sloppy Joes is a classic dinner recipe that is easy to make and economical too! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and costs just $9.34 for a serving of 6! That's just $1.56 per serving!  via @easybudgetrecipesHomemade Sloppy Joes is a classic dinner recipe that is easy to make and economical too! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and costs just $9.34 for a serving of 6! That's just $1.56 per serving!  via @easybudgetrecipesHomemade Sloppy Joes is a classic dinner recipe that is easy to make and economical too! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and costs just $9.34 for a serving of 6!  via @easybudgetrecipes

Homemade Sloppy Joes is a classic dinner recipe that is easy to make and economical too! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and costs just $9.34 for six servings! That’s just $1.56 per serving! 

Finished recipe with text overlay for Pinterest.

Every time I make this homemade Sloppy Joe recipe, I cannot help but start singing The Lunchlady Song by Adam Sandler. Do you know the one I am talking about? I sing it every single time I make this. 

“Well, yesterday’s meatloaf is today’s Sloppy Joes…Sloppy Joe, slop, Sloppy Joe.” LOL! It’s the BEST song! However, even though this Sloppy Joe recipe is super easy, it does NOT use yesterday’s meatloaf! I just wanted to clarify that.

Now, you could be like the Lunchlady and whip up some Sloppy Joes very quickly by using the can of premade sauce that you just add to the beef. I have done it in a pinch a few times myself.

But once you make Sloppy Joes using this recipe you, will never look back. It is just as easy as opening a can and is seriously the BEST Sloppy Joe recipe ever! It is so much better than anything you will get from the Lunchlady or the premade can. 

A sloppy joe on a plate with a bite taken out of it.

Sloppy Joe Recipe Questions Answered: 

How many pounds of hamburger do I need for 50 Sloppy Joes?

Our recipe calls for 1 ½ pound of ground beef, which makes enough for six servings. To make 50 sandwiches, you would need to purchase 12 ½ pounds of meat. 

The remaining ingredients for 50 sandwiches are as follows:

  • 4 cups of vegetable oil 
  • 8 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped fine
  • 2 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon salt 
  • 1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon garlic powder 
  • 2 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon chili powder 
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • black pepper to taste 
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 8 (10.75 oz cans) tomato puree
  • 4 cups + 2 Tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 3/4 cups water
  • 2 3/4 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 50 hamburger buns

How do you thicken up Sloppy Joes?

If you need to thicken up your homemade Sloppy Joe recipe, simply mix 1 TBS cornstarch and one tablespoon of warm water in a small bowl. Use this ratio for every cup of sauce you need to thicken. Whisk in the mixture slowly into the Sloppy Joe sauce until you reach the desired consistency. 

Are Sloppy Joes fattening? 

Sloppy Joes are traditionally made using ground beef. While beef is a good source of protein, it is high fat and calories. If you are looking for a healthier version of this Sloppy Joe recipe, try substituting ground turkey for the beef. 

Overhead picture of the finished sloppy joe mixture.

How to Make Classic Sloppy Joes Recipe:

  1. First, in a large skillet, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, reduce heat to medium and add onions and salt and saute, often stirring, until onions are translucent and beginning to brown around the edges, about 6-10 minutes. 
  2. Then, stir in garlic powder and chili powder and cook until fragrant, bout 20 seconds. 
  3. Next, add in the beef and use the back of a wooden spoon to break the meat apart. Cook until the meat is almost browned all the way through. 
  4. Stir in brown sugar, tomato puree, ketchup, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the mixture until the sauce has thickened, about 5-10 minutes. 
  5. Finally, season mixture with pepper. Serve on hamburger buns. 

How to get the kids involved with this recipe:

  • Ages 2-3: Let them help you spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the hamburger buns.  
  • Ages 4-5: Let them help measure the ingredients and add them to the skillet when making the sauce. They would also love brushing the butter on the buns. 
  • Ages 6-8: Teach them how to saute the onion and brown the meat. 
  • Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe. Remember to teach knife safety when cutting the onions. 
  • Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!

Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.

A hand holding up a sloppy joe.

The flavor and Recipe Variations:

  •  For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. 
  • Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes

What sides go with Sloppy Joes: 

  • Green Beans Almondine
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Chicken Pasta Salad  *Pro-tip: Leave out the chicken when serving as a side dish
  • a simple salad
  • veggie sticks and ranch dressing
  • potato chips

More Easy Main Dish Ideas:

  • Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
  • American Goulash
  • Easy Beef Chili
  • Ground Beef and Broccoli Teriyaki
  • Inside Out Chicken Pot Pie
  • Italian Zucchini Boats
  • Machaca Burritos
  • Meatball Subs
  • Mexican Chicken Rice Bowls
  • 15-Minute Skillet Tilapia with Artichokes and Tomatoes
  • One Pan Cheesy Broccoli Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Italian Harvest Soup

How long is this good for:

  • Serve: The mixture can stay at room temperature for up to 2 hours. 
  • Store: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
  • Freeze: You can freeze the prepared sloppy joe mixture for up to 3 months in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.
    • To reheat: Defrost the mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 7-10 minutes. You may need to add a few tablespoons of water to loosen the mixture a bit. 

A close up picture of a sloppy joe.

How much will this Sloppy Joes Recipe cost:

RECIPE COST: $9.34

PER SERVING COST: $1.56

To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – $0.06
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped fine – $0.62
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt – $0.01
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder – $0.06 
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder – $0.02
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef – $5.40
  • black pepper to taste – $0.03
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar – $0.02
  • 10.75oz canned tomato puree – $0.95
  • 1/2 cup ketchup – $0.44
  • 1/3 cup water – $0
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – $0.02
  • 6 hamburger buns – $1.71

Picture collage for Pinterest.

Cook’s Tools:

  • cutting board
  • chef knife
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon
A close up picture of a sloppy joe.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
5 from 19 votes

Best Sloppy Joes

Recipe Cost $9.34
Recipe Serving Cost $1.56
Homemade Sloppy Joes is a classic dinner recipe that is easy to make and economical too! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and costs just $9.34 for six servings! 
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time24 mins
Total Time29 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ground beef
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 372.75kcal
Author: Easy Budget Recipes Original!

Equipment

  • cutting board
  • chef knife
  • large skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped fine
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 ½ teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 10.75 oz canned tomato puree
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • black pepper to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns toasted and buttered
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large skillet add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, reduce heat to medium and add onions and salt and saute, stirring often, until onions are translucent and beginning to brown around the edges, about 6-10 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic powder and chili powder and cook until fragrant, bout 20 seconds.
    Sauté the onions and add in the garlic powder and chile powder.
  • Add in beef and use the back of a wooden spoon to break the meat apart. Cook until the meat is almost browned all the way through.
    Brown the beef and pour in the ketchup, tomato puree, and water.
  • Stir in brown sugar, tomato puree, ketchup, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the mixture until the sauce has thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Season mixture with pepper. Serve on hamburger buns.
    Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1sloppy joe | Calories: 372.75kcal | Carbohydrates: 35.11g | Protein: 30.01g | Fat: 12.16g | Saturated Fat: 6.78g | Cholesterol: 70.31mg | Sodium: 792.36mg | Potassium: 779.64mg | Fiber: 2.42g | Sugar: 11.42g | Vitamin A: 435.77IU | Vitamin C: 8.12mg | Calcium: 101.16mg | Iron: 5.35mg
Did you love this recipe?We'd love to hear from you follow us on Instagram @EasyBudgetRecipes and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

2 sandwiches on a wooden board with potato chips.

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Filed Under: $10 Recipes, Main Dish Tagged With: black pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, ground beef, hamburger buns, ketchup, onion, salt, tomato puree, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce

Previous Post: « Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claudia Lamascolo

    December 21, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    5 stars
    Wow does this ever bring back memories of mom … I just got such a great feeling looking at this post thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      December 22, 2019 at 7:42 am

      I love it when a recipe brings back some fond memories. Thank you for sharing yours with us.

  2. Nellie Tracy

    December 22, 2019 at 5:18 am

    5 stars
    These are so easy and the whole family devours them!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      December 22, 2019 at 7:42 am

      Love it when a recipe is easy and the family loves it.

  3. Debbie Hagood

    January 14, 2020 at 2:28 am

    This caught my eye because you told house much ground beef for to make sloppy joes for 50 but not sure how to multiply out the rest of the ingredients to make for 50. Do you have that information. I would love to make this for our church community meal.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      January 14, 2020 at 10:15 pm

      This would be an awesome dish for your church community meal! Thank you for your question. If you look back on the website under the Questions answered, I have updated it with the rest of the ingredients for a serving size of 50. Please let us know how it goes!

  4. Patsy K Bennitt

    January 19, 2020 at 4:01 am

    Rather bland and very runny.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      January 24, 2020 at 5:10 am

      Hi Patsy. I am sorry it turned out runny for you. My first question would be are you sure you used Tomato Puree and not sauce? We just updated the post to include a video with step by step directions to make this. We hope that hopes and that you will try again. Feel free to season to taste.

  5. Debbie Hagood

    January 27, 2020 at 12:25 am

    I tried this tonight and we liked it. I see the recipe for 50 now but it says 1 1/5 lbs of ground beef. I think that’s a typo. ??? How much ground beef would I need to make this for 50?

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      January 27, 2020 at 4:01 am

      Yay! So glad you liked it!

  6. Debbie Hagood

    January 27, 2020 at 1:46 am

    I see it now. It’s says 12 1/2 lbs of ground beef about the actual recipe.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      January 27, 2020 at 4:01 am

      Yep you got it! Thanks Debbie!

  7. Gemma

    February 18, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    I am embarrassed to admit, I’ve never tried Sloppy Joes before! I feel like I’ve been massively missing out though, after this reading this post. They sound so delicious and something I need to make this weekend! Thanks for sharing this recipe with us xo

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      February 18, 2020 at 10:41 pm

      Oh my goodness!! Yes, please try it!! You will not regret it.

  8. Tessa Zundel

    February 18, 2020 at 4:33 pm

    Now this is a family friendly recipe!! I love that you included ways for the kids to help – cooking with kids is SO important. Children raised in the kitchen eat more healthy!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      February 18, 2020 at 10:41 pm

      It is so true…they definitely eat more healthy and are more likely to try new things when they are involved in the cooking process.

  9. Sujatha Muralidhar

    February 18, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    5 stars
    love this recipe, the juicy sloppy joes looks tempting to make tonight.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      February 18, 2020 at 10:42 pm

      Thank you so much for your review! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out our Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes!

  10. Rachel

    February 19, 2020 at 1:59 pm

    Can’t wait to try this recipe! My family loves sloppy joes. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      February 19, 2020 at 9:19 pm

      It is such a crowd pleaser! Thanks for stopping by.

  11. Patty

    February 22, 2020 at 11:27 am

    Have you ever added bbq sauce to it?

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      February 26, 2020 at 11:56 am

      Hi Patty. We have not tried it with bbq sauce yet. But that does sound yummy. If you try it please come back here and let us know how it goes, we would love to know!

  12. Melissa Fabela

    March 23, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve been trying so many different sloppy joe recipes for my family and this one hit the mark! Will definitely be my go-to from now on!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      March 24, 2020 at 11:15 am

      Melissa this is great news! Thank you for your feedback. So happy you love it!

  13. saif

    April 13, 2020 at 10:28 pm

    5 stars
    I love Sloppy Joes. I am glad I found this recipe and I am definitely going to make this at home.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      April 13, 2020 at 11:15 pm

      So glad you found it too! Enjoy!

  14. Nicole

    April 14, 2020 at 6:52 am

    5 stars
    This looks so good! Going to make this for lunch for everyone with french fries.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      April 14, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      French fries would be perfect with this!

  15. Sula

    April 14, 2020 at 3:46 pm

    5 stars
    This brings back some memories for sure! I’ll be giving this a try very soon!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      April 14, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      Love it when food brings back special memories! Enjoy!

  16. Christie Gagnon

    April 14, 2020 at 4:51 pm

    5 stars
    I haven’t had a sloppy joe since I was a kid and am thinking I need to introduce my kids to them! I think I will substitute ground turkey though. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      April 14, 2020 at 10:46 pm

      Ground turkey would be super good! Great idea!

  17. Amy Chung

    April 14, 2020 at 5:04 pm

    5 stars
    Don’t think I’m crazy but I’ve never had sloppy joes before! But I do love the idea of using leftover meatloaf to make them. Love being able to re-constitute leftovers to reduce food wastage. This is great and my daughter would be able to make this herself….so no cooking for me tonight! LOL

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      April 14, 2020 at 10:50 pm

      Oh my goodness Amy! It is time to have one! That’s such a good idea to use some leftover meat to make these. That makes it an even easier meal to make! Enjoy!

  18. Bhawana

    April 14, 2020 at 11:04 pm

    5 stars
    That looks so delicious, believe me while typing I am drooling over to grab this burger.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      April 15, 2020 at 8:58 am

      Sounds like you better go make it right now! Thanks for stopping by!

  19. Heather

    May 25, 2020 at 10:51 am

    It’s been WAY too long since I’ve had a sloppy joe! I definitely need to make these for the family!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      May 25, 2020 at 12:41 pm

      Do it Heather! It is a family favorite over here!

  20. Amber Myers

    May 25, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    5 stars
    I admit, I usually make these from a can. I might have to try them this way!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      May 25, 2020 at 12:43 pm

      Amber, I used to as well. Never again!

  21. Marta

    May 25, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    I love that you’ve included a guide on getting the munchkins in on the cooking fun! We need more of this.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      May 27, 2020 at 12:39 am

      Thank you Marta! We are strong believers of getting the kids involved, even if it does take a little longer and make a little bit more of a mess!

  22. Christa

    May 26, 2020 at 10:45 pm

    A yummy meal that the kids will love and is also budget friendly? Sounds great!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      May 27, 2020 at 12:35 am

      It’s a win-win for sure!

  23. Jordan

    May 27, 2020 at 6:47 am

    5 stars
    Yum! Sloppy Joe’s used to be one of my favorite meals as a kid but I haven’t had one in a long time. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      May 27, 2020 at 8:32 am

      It’s such a classic recipe that all ages enjoy!

  24. Gloria

    September 29, 2020 at 2:43 pm

    5 stars
    I cannot remember the last time I had sloppy joes. It was always a hit with the family. I think I have everything I need to make this for dinner tonight.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 30, 2020 at 9:24 am

      This is awesome Gloria. Be sure to let us know how it goes!

  25. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

    September 29, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    5 stars
    Now you have got me craving Sloppy Joes – it is such a fab and delicious dinner that my family always enjoys. Will be giving yours a go for sure.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 30, 2020 at 9:23 am

      It’s a good thing to crave! Let us know how it turns out!

  26. Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious

    September 29, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    Sloppy Joes are such an easy recipe to make and I always forget about them as a recipe option. Making these for dinner soon!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 30, 2020 at 9:23 am

      Genevieve, we agree! It is such an easy and tasty recipe!

  27. kerri

    September 29, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    sloppy joes are on of our guilty pleasures! excited to try this!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 30, 2020 at 9:22 am

      Kerri, sloppy joes are an excellent guilty pleasure! Enjoy!

  28. Rosemary

    September 29, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    5 stars
    This was one of my favorite childhood recipes and thank you for the wonderful memories. I haven’t made sloppy joe’s in a while and now I will 🙂 I really like how you have detailed age-approriate steps for kids. I don’t have kids, but I’m sending this recipe to my sister. Cheers

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 30, 2020 at 9:21 am

      Hi Rosemary, thanks for stopping by and sharing our recipe with your sister!

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Beth, Jill, and Jess of Easy Budget Recipes

We’re Beth, Jill, and Jess, and we’re the team of sisters-in-law behind Easy Budget Recipes!

Combined, we have over 50 years of cooking, meal planning, and budgeting experience. Each of our recipes serves at least six people, and we have broken down the cost of every recipe for you so that it’s easier to budget your shopping list every week!

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