When I was a kid, I had some odd food beliefs, and sloppy joes were number one on the list. I really thought that they were not good for me, that they were even evil, because of childhood tales and my active imagination. Same with my best friend Becky, so we made even the most basic meals into something to fret about.
In retrospect, it is ridiculous now, but at the time it was factual. We thought that our parents’ basement was haunted and even magazines had powers of darkness. So, thinking that a sandwich could control my body did not seem as ridiculous to my child’s brain.
Of course, I outgrew those phobias. Becky accepted magazines, and I accepted sloppy joes. Now, I realize them for what they are: a rich, full-flavored comfort food that gets people together, not something to be feared.
What Exactly Is a Sloppy Joe?
Essentially, a sloppy joe is a homey sandwich constructed with seasoned ground meat in a slightly sweet, tart tomato sauce. The mixture is spooned atop soft hamburger buns to form a messy but satisfying meal. Its beauty lies in its contrast of strong flavor and plain comfort.
Sloppy Bombay Joes
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan For preparing the sauce.
- 1 Large Skillet For cooking the turkey and combining the mixture.
- 1 Chef’s knife For mincing ginger, garlic, chile, dicing onion and bell pepper.
- 1 Cutting Board For safe and efficient chopping.
- 1 Spatula or wooden spoon For stirring, sautéing, and breaking up ground turkey.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 serrano chile seeded and finely minced (save the other half for the turkey)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Small handful shelled pistachios about 1/4 cup
- Small handful raisins about 1/4 cup
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 large white onion finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper seeds and membrane removed, finely diced
- 1/2 serrano chile seeds intact (don’t chop it up unless you like things spicy!)
- Kosher salt
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 cup half-and-half
- Small handful chopped fresh cilantro soft stems included
- 4 to 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Begin by making the sauce: Warm the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, until it shimmers. Add the ginger, garlic and serrano pepper. Saute until the ginger and garlic brown a little. Add the garam masala and paprika and saute for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile for the turkey, in large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of oil. When shimmering, add the pistachios and raisins. Cook until the raisins swell up and the pistachios toast slightly. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Return the pan to medium heat, add 1 to 2 more tablespoons of oil, and warm until shimmering. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for about 10 seconds, or until some of the sizzling subsides. Stir in the onions and bell pepper; saute until softened and starting to brown. Add the serrano pepper. Saute for another couple of minutes, seasoning with a little salt. Stir in the turkey, breaking up the big lumps. Cook until opaque, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, your sauce should be ready. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the turkey. Stir and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the mixture has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Once the turkey is cooked and the sauce has thickened a little, remove the serrano pepper (unless you want to eat it whole, like my Dad does!). Add the honey, half-and-half, pistachios and raisins. Stir through and taste for seasoning. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Toast the buns, fill with the turkey mixture and serve. Eat (with your hands!) and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe is a quick one to make, usually in some 30 minutes, which is one of the ways in which it’s a staple on weeknights. Children enjoy its domestic sweetness, adults its savoury undertones. It’s a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Some of the reasons it stays popular:
- Simple to make with simple pantry staples
- Kids and adults alike will love it
- Affordable and simple to prepare to scale
A Sloppy Joe of Mythical Provenance
There are more than a single myth regarding where sloppy joes originated. One states the name came from a Havana bar in 1918 owned by José Abeal y Otero, “Sloppy Joe.” His was a well-known establishment, but what they served there was not the saucy sandwich we’re familiar with today.
The Best Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet Preferably heavy-bottomed for even heat distribution.
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For breaking up meat and stirring.
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef’s knife For dicing vegetables.
- 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups For precise ingredient measurements.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 12 ounces 1 1/3 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns toasted
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to caramelize in some spots, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it is browned, no longer pink in the middle and cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, red wine vinegar, paprika, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of black pepper and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and heated through, 5 to 6 minutes. Spoon the meat onto the toasted buns.
Notes
A second version attributes the naming to a bar in Key West, Florida, where Ernest Hemingway is said to have recommended it be named after the Cuban institution. The bar eventually became associated with the Americanized name for the sandwich. This lends a bit of myth to what we consume today.
They most attribute the sandwich itself to having originated in Iowa during the 1920s. They have one of the chefs, Joe, take tomato sauce and ground beef and grind them together into a loose-meat sandwich, and so it was born. Whether you like the tale of the first or the second tale you are told, the fact is that it took off.
The Secret Is in the Sauce
The sauce is what truly makes sloppy joes shine. Store-bought versions exist, but they often include unnecessary additives and corn syrup. Making your own sauce is not only easy but far more flavorful.
A good sauce blends sweetness, tang, and savoriness in perfect harmony. That means balancing tomato products with sugar or honey, tangy vinegar, and savory seasonings. The result is a glossy, rich coating for the meat.
Key ingredients of a fine sauce are:
- Tomato foundation (paste, sauce, or ketchup)
- Sweetener such as brown sugar or honey
- Tang from mustard or vinegar
- Depth from spices and Worcestershire sauce
Choosing the Right Meat
Sloppy joes by tradition are ground beef, ideally close to an 85/15 cut for best flavor and richness. Some cooks prefer leaner cuts; some have no issue with added richness. Grease will be drained in any case, so it’s merely personal choice.
Ground turkey is a great lighter option with little loss of taste. It pairs easily with sauce and remains rich. This makes the dish versatile depending on different dietary requirements.
When selecting meat, keep in mind:
- Beef provides the traditional, rich taste
- Turkey or chicken make it light
- Plant-based crumbles are suitable for vegetarians
Constructing Layers of Flavor
Tomato base ingredients, namely paste, sauce, and ketchup, underpin the entirety. They all contribute richness in distinct capacities: ketchup adds sweetness, tomato sauce adds body, and paste adds reinforcing richness. Together, they form a good foundation for the dish.
To counteract the sweetness, honey or brown sugar can be used. Some prefer theirs more savory, others sweeter. This is just one of the best things about doing it yourself.
Spice enhancers to add:
- Umami with Worcestershire sauce
- Richness with onions and garlic
- Heat with black pepper or cayenne
- Acidity with apple cider vinegar
Simplifying the Cooking Process
Begin by preparing the sauce ahead of time, and when the meat is browned, it’s ready to go. This way, there is an effortless handoff and dissemination of flavor. Cooking in this way is a breeze and stress-free.
Brown your choice of meat using garlic or onions for extra flavor. Drain grease on cooking to allow the sauce to shine without the bulk. This ensures that the final product is clean and savory.
Steps to do:
- Brown and crumble meat consistently
- Drain grease for thin consistency
- Simmer sauce while adding gradually
Add-Ins and Customization
Other chefs like other vegetables such as onions and bell peppers. They bring freshness and texture, and the dish is richer. They can be sautéed first before browning the meat for maximum effect.
Buns also contribute significantly. Toasting provides a crunchy element and avoids dryness, adds flavor, and texture. It’s a small element that does make a difference.
How to customize:
- Add vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or peppers
- Experiment with various buns (brioche, whole wheat, or potato rolls)
- Add some crunch on top bun with sesame seeds or poppy seeds
- Spice up with hot sauce, cayenne, or chili flakes
Slow Cooker Magic and Leftovers
For hectic days, sloppy joes are perfect with the slow cooker. After searing the meat, all the ingredients are thrown into the pot, including the sauce, and it cooks on low for hours. Hands-off perfection.
Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joe Sliders
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker 4- to 6-quart capacity
- 1 Wooden Spoon For mixing and breaking up ground beef
- 1 Chef’s knife For finely chopping vegetables
- 1 Cutting Board For ingredient preparation
- 1 Ladle or Large Serving Spoon For serving the sloppy joe mixture
Ingredients
Main
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 80 percent lean
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 inner stalk celery with leaves, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- One 14.5-ounce can tomato sauce such as Pomi
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 16 slider buns or mini potato rolls split
Instructions
- In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the ground beef, garlic, celery, peppers, onions, tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, dry mustard, onion powder, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix together with a wooden spoon, making sure to break up the ground beef. Set the machine to high and cook for 4 hours.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns to make sliders.
Notes
Leftovers will preserve and taste even better the following day. A dash of water or broth will replenish the sauce if it becomes too thick in the refrigerator. It’s one of those meals that reheat nicely.
Maximize leftovers:
- Refrigerate 3–4 days
- Freeze for three months
- Reheat with a dash of water or broth to loosen the sauce
Beyond the Bun
Sloppy joe filling is more versatile than it looks. Spoon it over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a hearty twist. Add cheese, and you’ve got a whole new comfort dish.
It also works inside stuffed bell peppers, adding bold flavor with minimal effort. The filling pairs well with vegetables and creates a balanced, colorful meal.
Creative serving ideas:
- Over rice or pasta for a quick dinner
- As a melted cheese nacho topping
- In family dinner casseroles
A Timeless Comfort Food
Sloppy joes ultimately prevail because they’re easy, delicious, and infinitely versatile. They’re loved by children and adults and strike a perfect compromise between fun and fulfillment.
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot® Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet For browning beef and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 9×13 inch Baking Dish For assembling and baking the casserole.
- 1 Spatula or wooden spoon For stirring and breaking up ground beef.
- 1 Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board For dicing onion and bell pepper.
- 1 Measuring Spoons For garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ onion diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 24 ounce jar Sloppy Joe sauce
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese divided
- 1 32 ounce package frozen bite-size potato nuggets (such as Tater Tots®)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any fat and set beef aside.
- Saute onion and garlic in the same skillet until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add corn and bell pepper; cook until soft, 5 to 10 minutes. Return beef to the skillet. Stir in Sloppy Joe sauce, cream cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium-low heat until sauce is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Top with 1 cup Cheddar cheese. Arrange potato nuggets over the top. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the potato nuggets are crispy and golden, about 25 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
They’re retro to so many, bringing to mind school lunchboxes, family dinners, or weekend barbecues. But homemade sloppy joes do that and inject more complexity and relevance to the memory.
This classic has stood the test of time because it’s more than food it’s a warm, comforting experience. With every bite, you’re reminded that sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that stay with us longest.
