Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

This healthy Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe is made with canned tomatoes, ground beef and spices. Ready in 20 minutes.

When I think of weekend meals, I like to go simple and easy. Maybe that’s why I love this recipe for homemade Sloppy Joes or as my mom called it: BBQ Beef. It’s made from scratch and more flavorful (and healthier) than if purchased from a supermarket.

Weekends for my family are hectic at best. As soon as Friday rolls around, everyone scatters for various activities and errands, so mealtime has to be both quick and easy. That’s why I choose Sloppy Joes. It’s one of those recipes that can be assembled in no time at all.

Go simple and easy with dinner tonight with this made-from-scratch Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe. It’s more flavorful and healthier, too, than store-bought. Ready in 20 minutes or less.

All credit for this recipe has to go to my mom. She never used any pre-made canned sloppy joes sauce. Instead, she made do by cooking it from scratch. It was amazing.

For my version, however, I’ve made a couple of additions here and there. Still I have to say it’s still the richest and most flavorful BBQ Beef (as she was fond of calling it) anywhere.

Cooking Tip: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed large crowds.

How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

I think my mom would approve of my own “secret additions” to her recipe. I feel the bit of spice adds more depth to an already outstanding meat sauce. But if you don’t like one of the spices in the ingredient list, add your own.

I have to mention, too, that my meat of choice is ground chuck. In the past, I’ve used a ground sirloin and regular ground beef mix, but I’ve found that when I do so, it’s either too fatty or too lean.

Truth be told, when I’m cooking in a hurry–which is what I believe most folks do–you need consistency. And, you only get the best results, I feel, with ground chuck.

Cooking Tip: Got leftovers? This recipe freezes well and is a life-saver when you need a meal with little preparation. Just microwave until hot. (Note: Be sure to freeze Sloppy Joes in an oven/microwave/freezer proof vessel.)

Then, after the meat’s browned, just add everything together, heat through until the veggies are softened and then your Sloppy Joes are ready in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Not too shabby, if you think of it as a quick and easy hearty meal that cooks up in no time at all!

Cooking Tip: Not keen on beef with your Sloppy Joes? Go ahead and substitute with ground turkey or chicken.

What to Serve with Homemade Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes is one of those recipes that goes well with a variety of quick and easy side dishes.

Here are just a few of my favorites that I like to mix and match:

• Black Strap Molasses Beans
• Broccoli Slaw with Pineapple
• Homemade German Potato Salad
• Ramen Noodle and Napa Cabbage Salad
• Marinated Romano Bean Salad with Potatoes
• Cucumber Tomato Dill Salad
• Old Fashioned Friendship Fruit Salad
• Summer Succotash Salad
• Old Fashioned Sour Cream Cucumber Salad
• Classic Three Bean Salad

Recommended Kitchen Tools to Use for This Recipe

A sturdy spoon is a must for making this recipe. And, with these two choices, you can’t go wrong. I love how durable they are and I use these in my own kitchen.

The Pioneer Woman Acacia Turner is perfect for breaking down ground meat into little bits.

This Rustic Spoon by The Pioneer Woman is perfect for stirring sauces, batters and more.

For more delicious and quick and easy recipes, be sure to check out the Recipe Section of Wisconsin Homemaker.