The Best Sloppy Joe Recipe

Sharing is caring!

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: 

A sloppy joe on a low-carb bun, topped with cheddar cheese and green onions, with a skillet of ground beef and a blue-checkered towel in the background.

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:

  1. Tastes like the classic canned version without additives!
  2. Simple to prepare any night of the week!
  3. Uses easy-to-find ingredients for beginner cooks!
  4. Foolproof method ensures great results every time!
  5. This is a “no ketchup sloppy joe recipe” too!
  6. Completely low carb and keto-friendly for meal planning!
  7. Family-friendly dish that pleases even picky eaters!
  8. 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
Overhead view of the measured ingredients for the sloppy joe recipe, including ground beef, green bell pepper, onion, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, erythritol, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and clarified butter. All ingredients are placed in small glass bowls on a wooden surface.

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!

Overhead shot of a skillet filled with sloppy joe meat, a bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, and two low-carb buns on a plate.

Cooking Tools Required

Here is the list of cooking tools you'll need to make sloppy joe:

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

  1. Chop the onions and bell peppers. Set aside.
  2. Measure all the remaining ingredients. Set aside.
  3. Place a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.

Cooking Steps

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Mix everything together well. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly in the pan.
  4. Serve hot and top with your favorite ingredients.
A nonstick pan with clarified butter heating over medium heat on an induction stove.

Step 1: Add the clarified butter to the skillet and heat over medium heat until it starts to shimmer.

A slab of raw ground beef in a pan with hot clarified butter, ready to be cooked.

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.

Ground beef starting to brown as it's stirred with a wooden spatula in 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.

Chopped onions being added to the browned ground beef mixture in the pan.

Step 4: When most of the ground beef has turned brown, add the finely chopped onions to the skillet.

Chopped green bell pepper and seasonings, including salt and pepper, being added to the beef mixture in the pan.

Step 5: Next, add the finely chopped green bell pepper into the skillet along with the onions. Stir well to combine.

Tomato paste being added on top of the beef and pepper mixture, just before mixing in.

Step 6: Once the onions and peppers have softened (after about 5 minutes), add the tomato paste to the skillet.

Dijon mustard being stirred into the beef mixture, along with tomato paste and other seasonings.

Step 7: Add the Dijon mustard to the skillet and mix it in with the beef, onions, and peppers.

Seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika being added to the beef mixture in the pan.

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.

  1. Just add the amount of ground beef mixture you want along with a splash of water. Cover and reheat until warmed through.
  2. The second method is to use the microwave. Place the mixture in a covered, microwave-safe dish and heat on medium until heated through.
Overhead view of a sloppy joe served on a low-carb bun, with melted cheddar cheese and a blue-checkered towel beside the plate.

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!

Close-up of a sloppy joe on a low-carb bun, topped with melted cheddar cheese and green onions, with a skillet of ground beef in the background.

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:

Close-up of the ground beef mixture for the sloppy joe, garnished with green onions, with buns and cheddar cheese visible in the background.

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.

A low-carb sloppy joe served on a golden keto bun with melted cheese and chopped green onions. The filling is overflowing with saucy ground meat, providing a hearty, flavorful meal.

Sloppy Joe Recipe

Remember those carefree days when sloppy joes were a childhood favorite? This homemade sloppy joe recipe brings back all the nostalgia without the additives and preservatives found in canned options... plus it is low carb and keto too! With a rich, savory flavor and the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this recipe allows you and your family to enjoy sloppy joes just like you did when you were a kid.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best sloppy joe recipe, good sloppy joe recipe, homemade sloppy joes, how to make sloppy joes, keto sloppy joe, keto sloppy joe recipe, low carb sloppy joe, low carb sloppy joe recipe, recipe for sloppy joes, sloppy joe, sloppy joe recipe, sloppy joe sanwiches, sloppy joes, sloppy joes recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 272kcal
Author: Scott Groth

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

If you loved a good sloppy joe when you were a kid, let me know in the comments... also any questions you have about this recipe too. 
Have a wonderful day in the kitchen and enjoy this recipe.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 272 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 9g45%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 70mg23%
Sodium 358mg15%
Potassium 446mg13%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 483IU10%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Calcium 28mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”

Recent Low Carb Recipes:

Plate of keto sausage gravy over biscuits, with a fork and a blue-checkered napkin in the background.

Delicious Keto Sausage Gravy

This keto sausage gravy is a flavorful spin on the southern classic, giving you all the comforting taste with just 2.5g net carbs per serving. Perfect for pairing with low-carb biscuits or to add a hearty touch to your breakfast routine.

Read More »
Golden-brown keto biscuits with a crispy crust displayed on a cooling rack, showcasing a few biscuits split open to reveal the soft, fluffy inside.

Fluffy Keto Biscuits

Say goodbye to dense, heavy keto biscuits and hello to these fluffy, flavorful wonders! With a simple blend of low-carb ingredients and a hint of cheddar, these biscuits are light, airy, and satisfying. Ideal for breakfast, as a side dish, or just as a snack with a pat of butter.

Read More »
Stack of fluffy, golden-brown cream cheese pancakes with a dollop of butter on top and syrup dripping down the side.

Keto Cream Cheese Pancakes

If you’ve tried cream cheese pancakes before and found them lacking, this recipe will change your mind. With a classic pancake taste and no carbs, my keto cream cheese pancakes are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Read More »

Is it low carb? Learn more about it:

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Scott Groth image for I'd Rather Be A Chef

I'm Scott, just a regular guy who has experienced amazing benefits from embracing a low carb (occasionally keto) lifestyle. Join me as I share low carb recipes that are family friendly, delicious and fun to eat.

Discover more about me in my Bio, explore whether my Low Carb Journey resonates with you, and if you also believe we are stronger together, then sign up for my LOW CARB NEWSLETTER.

As Seen On:

As seen on healthline, men's journal, greatist, buzzfeed, nom nom network, djfoodie, brit+co, goodnet