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Let’s be honest—when was the last time you enjoyed a Sloppy Joe that wasn’t straight from a can, loaded with preservatives? This recipe brings back all those joyful, nostalgic memories, but without the canned additives and preservatives. You can savor a homemade Sloppy Joe just like when you were a kid. So, let’s dive in and see how to make the best sloppy joes ever!
This recipe is:
Table of Contents
8 Reasons To Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this easy sloppy joe recipe! Here’s why I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do:
- Tastes like the classic canned version without additives!
- Simple to prepare any night of the week!
- Uses easy-to-find ingredients for beginner cooks!
- Foolproof method ensures great results every time!
- This is a “no ketchup sloppy joe recipe” too!
- Completely low carb and keto-friendly for meal planning!
- Family-friendly dish that pleases even picky eaters!
- Perfect for meal prep and stores well in the fridge!
What Are Sloppy Joes?
Sloppy joes are a classic American dish made from ground meat, typically beef simmered in a flavorful sauce. The mixture is often served on a hamburger bun, creating a messy, yet delicious meal that's both comforting and satisfying.
While the exact origin of sloppy joes is debated, they gained popularity in the 1930s and have since become a favorite among families for their simplicity and taste. The homemade sloppy joe sauce usually includes ingredients like tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavor profile, better than store-bought sauce. Sloppy joes are perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners, offering a nostalgic taste that brings people together.
Is Sloppy Joe Low Carb?
Traditional Sloppy Joes are not typically low carb due to the sugar in the sauce and the buns. However, by swapping out the sugar for a low-carb sweetener and serving it on keto-friendly buns or over cauliflower rice, you can easily make a low-carb version of this classic dish.
This recipe contains 4 grams of net carbs per serving, making it a great choice for those following low carb or keto diets. And don’t worry—this is for a generous portion, so you can enjoy it without any guilt!
Keto Hamburger Buns for Sloppy Joes
No sloppy joe experience is complete without a delicious bun to hold all that tasty filling! These keto hamburger buns are the best buns for sloppy joes, serving as the perfect low-carb companion that provides a great texture, balancing softness and sturdiness. Their subtle flavor complements the beef mixture beautifully. To enhance your meal, toast the buns lightly before adding the filling, which adds a nice crunch and helps prevent sogginess. These buns elevate your sloppy joe experience, making it feel like a complete meal!
Sloppy Joe Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients you'll need to make this old-fashioned sloppy joe recipe:
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter
- 1.5 pounds ground beef, 15-20% fat content minimum
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon erythritol
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ cup tomato paste, no sugar added
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to use these tasty alternatives if you want to mix things up!
- Ground beef: Ground beef is low carb, but if you want to use other meat options, you can use ground pork, ground turkey, or ground dark meat chicken in a 1:1 ratio. Just ensure there’s enough fat in the mixture to keep the sloppy joes from drying out.
- Clarified butter: Swap it out for rendered bacon fat, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil. I prefer clarified butter for its high smoke point and great depth of flavor.
- Green bell pepper: Red, orange, or yellow bell peppers work well as diced peppers, too. While green peppers give that classic flavor profile of canned sloppy joes, you can also try using poblano or Anaheim chili for a twist.
- Dijon mustard: Yellow, brown, or ground mustard can replace Dijon in the same quantity.
- Apple cider vinegar: Red or white wine vinegar is a suitable substitute. I enjoy the balanced flavor that apple cider vinegar brings, but either option works well.
- Erythritol: Feel free to use xylitol, monk fruit sweetener, allulose, or stevia in place of erythritol. Pick the one that suits your taste, and remember to taste and adjust the sweetness as needed!
Additional Ingredients
If you want to enhance the flavor of your Sloppy Joe recipe, consider adding some of these delicious ingredients!
- Worcestershire sauce: This traditional ingredient is common in many sloppy joe recipes. I’ve left it out due to its gluten content, but if gluten isn’t a concern for you, add a tablespoon for a savory undertone.
- Ketchup: If you prefer a sweeter or sloppier mixture, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of ketchup. For a low carb option, go for sugar-free ketchup to keep it on track.
- Cheese: When the sloppy joe is ready, I love adding shredded cheddar cheese on top. For a gourmet twist, try using smoked gouda—it takes this childhood classic to another level!
- Fresh herbs: I always add chopped green onion or chives to my sloppy joes. My kids enjoy freshly chopped cilantro, while my wife loves adding fresh parsley. Any of these herbs work well!
- Pickles: While I don’t add pickles directly to my sloppy joes, I love having dill pickles on the side. The brine cuts through the richness, making each bite even more enjoyable. Give it a try—I know you’ll love it!
Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe- use them to enhance or customize the recipe to your liking.
Sauce Options for Sloppy Joes
The sauce is the star of any sloppy joe, and you have plenty of options to customize your flavor! Here are some delicious sauce choices to consider:
- Marinara sauce: Offers a classic Italian flavor.
- Bolognese sauce: Adds a hearty richness to your filling.
- Canned sauce: A quick and easy option—just look for quality brands, and don't get trapped in sugary sauces!
- Ketchup-based sauce: Sweet and savory sauce perfect for traditionalists.
- Hearty tomato sauce: Delivers a robust tomato flavor.
- Jarred chili sauce: Introduces a spicy kick.
- Pre-made store-bought sauce: Convenient and time-saving for busy nights.
- All-natural sauce: A wholesome option that avoids artificial ingredients.
No matter which sauce you choose, the right one will ensure your sloppy joes are packed with flavor!
Cooking Tools Required
Here is the list of cooking tools you'll need to make sloppy joe:
- Heavy bottom pan
- Wooded spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
How to Make Sloppy Joe Recipe: Complete Cooking Guide
Making homemade sloppy joes is quite simple. Just make sure you have a large enough pan to hold all the ingredients!
Cooking Method
- Sautee
Preparation Steps
- Chop the onions and bell peppers. Set aside.
- Measure all the remaining ingredients. Set aside.
- Place a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
Cooking Steps
- Add the clarified butter to the skillet. When the butter starts to shimmer in the pan, carefully add in the ground beef. Allow the ground beef to sit in the pan for a minute or two to allow the heat to return to the pan before breaking it up with the wooden spatula.
- With the wooden spatula, break up the beef into small pieces. When most of the meat has turned from pink to brown, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients. Mix everything together well. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly in the pan.
- Serve hot and top with your favorite ingredients.
Step 1: Add the clarified butter to the skillet and heat over medium heat until it starts to shimmer.
Step 2: Carefully place the ground beef in the skillet with the hot butter. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the heat to return to the pan.
Step 3: Begin breaking up the ground beef with a wooden spatula as it starts to brown. Stir the beef to cook it evenly.
Step 4: When most of the ground beef has turned brown, add the finely chopped onions to the skillet.
Step 5: Next, add the finely chopped green bell pepper into the skillet along with the onions. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Once the onions and peppers have softened (after about 5 minutes), add the tomato paste to the skillet.
Step 7: Add the Dijon mustard to the skillet and mix it in with the beef, onions, and peppers.
Step 8: Stir in the apple cider vinegar and all the seasonings to the beef mixture.
Step 9: Continue to stir and cook the mixture, allowing all the ingredients to fully combine and the flavors to meld. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
💡 My Pro Tip
This sloppy joe recipe achieves the ideal balance of sloppiness—just the way I like them. If you prefer them a bit messier, simply stir in two to three tablespoons of ketchup (sugar-free if you're keeping it low carb) when you add the tomato paste and other ingredients. This will introduce extra liquid to the mixture, so you must cook it a little longer. Just turn the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for an additional two to three minutes.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use leftover ground beef: I have a fantastic golden-brown lean ground beef recipe that I prepare once a month to have on hand. It’s perfect for impromptu taco nights, works great in casseroles, and is ideal for sloppy joes, too! Warming up the meat saves a few minutes compared to browning it from scratch.
- Make ahead: You can prepare this recipe up to a week in advance, and it will taste just as good—if not better—than the day you made it. Just remember that when reheating, you might want to add a tablespoon of water since the refrigerator tends to draw moisture out of recipes like this.
- Double the batch: I love freezing this recipe in individual portions, so I usually double the batch of the meat mixture. It’s perfect for meal planning and those “make your own” dinner nights when I’m not in the mood to cook.
Storing, Freezing, And Reheating Instructions
This sloppy joe recipe stores, freezes, and reheats exceptionally well. Here are some tips to keep everything in tip-top shape:
Storage Tips
Once the beef mixture has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The high acidity helps keep the meal fresh for longer.
Freezing Tips
After the sloppy joe mixture has cooled to room temperature, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for six to nine months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, you can defrost it in the fridge overnight or thaw it in the microwave. The high-fat content helps prevent the mixture from drying out in the microwave. Then, simply reheat according to the instructions above.
Reheating Tips
There are two main ways to reheat this sloppy joe recipe. My favorite method is in a non-stick skillet over medium heat on the stove.
- Just add the amount of ground beef mixture you want along with a splash of water. Cover and reheat until warmed through.
- The second method is to use the microwave. Place the mixture in a covered, microwave-safe dish and heat on medium until heated through.
What To Serve With Sloppy Joe?
Looking for the perfect side dishes to complement your sloppy joe recipe? Here are some delicious options that pair wonderfully with those savory flavors:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and caramelized, these brussels sprouts bring a satisfying crunch that complements the tender texture of the sloppy joes. Their slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the savory meat, making every bite more enjoyable.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad brings crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing to the table, adding a delicious contrast to the savory sloppy joe. The balance of flavors and texture create a refreshing balance that complements the rich meatiness perfectly.
- Italian Salad: An Italian salad features a mix of colorful vegetables, olives, and tangy vinaigrette, enhancing the meal with bright, bold flavors. The crunchy textures and zesty dressing provide a delightful counterpoint to the hearty sloppy joe, making each bite more satisfying.
- Roasted Squash: The sweetness of roasted squash provides a lovely contrast to the savory cooked ground beef. Its tender texture makes for a comforting side that rounds out the meal perfectly.
- Keto Hamburger Bun: A keto hamburger bun is a classic way to serve sloppy joes, allowing you to enjoy every bite without the extra carbs. It’s soft and sturdy, especially the toasted hamburger bun, making it ideal for holding all that delicious filling while keeping the meal low carb.
Conclusion
I have such wonderful memories of enjoying sloppy joes with my family while growing up. It was one of my favorite meals as a kid. I then forgot about them until I had kids and only made sloppy joes when they were younger. This best sloppy joe recipe is a blast from the past, and the entire family loves eating it.
I’ve created this recipe to be completely low carb and keto-friendly, including the keto hamburger bun you see in the picture. It’s the complete package, allowing you to feel included in the meal rather than just eating a pile of sloppy joe meat off a plate. I highly recommend making the keto hamburger buns too—they truly enhance the experience.
Please share any questions or suggestions in the comments. You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram!
Other Beef Recipes To Try
If you’re a fan of hearty beef dishes, you’ll love these simple ground beef recipes that bring bold flavors and satisfying meals to your table:
FAQs
Traditional sloppy joe sauce ingredients include ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, spices, and brown sugar. Low-carb sloppy joe sauce uses tomato paste, yellow mustard, spices, and a natural sweetener.
Depending on the quantity of ingredients added to the mixture (onions, pepper flakes, tomato paste etc), there should be enough for six servings of sloppy joe from one pound of hamburger.
Yes. First, the crushed tomatoes must be strained well. All the extra sauce and juice can be discarded. When using crusted tomatoes, starting with the tomatoes in the pan rather than the beef is a good idea. Cook off as much liquid as possible, remove the tomatoes, and set aside. Cook the recipe according to the instructions and add the reduced crushed tomatoes in place of the tomato paste.
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter
- 1.5 pounds ground beef 15-20% fat content minimum
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon erythritol
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper finely chopped
- ½ cup tomato paste no sugar added
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Chop the onions and bell peppers. Set aside.
- Measure all the remaining ingredients. Set aside.
- Place a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
Cooking Steps
- Add the clarified butter to the skillet. When the butter starts to shimmer in the pan, carefully add in the ground beef. Allow the ground beef to sit in the pan for a minute or two to allow the heat to return to the pan before breaking it up with the wooden spatula.
- With the wooden spatula, break up the beef into small pieces. When most of the meat has turned from pink to brown, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients. Mix everything together well. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly in the pan.
- Serve hot and top with your favorite ingredients.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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