Why are these the best Sloppy Joe’s ever? Well, they’re not overly sweet or fussy. You don’t even need a knife. (Honest!) And eating it over a pile of sweet potato fries puts chili fries to shame.

If Sloppy Joe’s make you think of mediocre school lunches, I’d love to change your mind. This recipe has been a favorite in my family for 3 generations now and with each generation comes a few tweaks to make this recipe even easier to get on the table.

Plus it’s REALLY delicious – some of the simplest recipes are! And a bonus: if you’re gluten intolerant or on a low-carb/keto diet, I’ve got some fun new ways to use Sloppy Joe meat just for you.

Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe and FOUR Ways to Serve Them

Sloppy Joe Recipe ingredients

First, this is a great recipe because the sloppy joe meat isn’t overly sweet or fussy. You don’t even need a knife for this.

For reals. No chopping anything. Not even onions. Or bell peppers. This is a green bell pepper free recipe.

And there’s just a handful of ingredients. Most of them you probably have on hand already:

• chili powder
• dried onions
• ketchup
• mustard
• (here’s the secret ingredient: ground sage)
• And no extra sugar. The only sugar is from the ketchup, which can be a pretty low amount depending on what kind you buy.

And second, it’s my grandma’s recipe. No, not Grandma Inez. My Grandma LaRue, who claims she’s a “horrible cook.” I sense that she doesn’t enjoy cooking, but I have to disagree with her. In fact, two of my favorite family recipes come from her, my favorite chocolate cake.  And these Sloppy Joe’s.

How to make the Best Sloppy Joe Recipe

1. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your beef is extra lean, you may want to add a tablespoon of oil to keep it from sticking to the pan. Drain off any oil, if needed.
2. Return pan to skillet and add the remaining ingredients plus water. Stir well and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.
3. Serve with buns or lettuce leaves, shredded cheese, Sweet Potato Fries, and (our recommendation) pickles.

Serving this Sloppy Joes Recipe

I have to admit — eating these as a lettuce wrap gives a whole new meaning to the word “sloppy.”

Most of the time we make them easier to eat and turn them into Sloppy Joe Salads. Or “Salad Joe’s”. It’s much easier to eat! I actually prefer to eat them over a pile of Sweet Potato Fries. Like chili fries, but better.

If you’re not into salads, but still want these to be gluten-free, try serving the sloppy joe meat over a baked potato or baked sweet potato. Or with some jasmine rice. Or roasted cauliflower rice. Or in a bowl with assorted roasted vegetables. Sloppy Joe’s definitely don’t have to be confined to a bland hamburger bun. 

Grab a large skillet and go to town, guys. You wouldn’t be disappointed if you doubled this recipe, either. Our little family has started eating a full batch, and I like having leftovers for a couple of days for lunches. 

You might be tempted to substitute ground turkey for the beef. I have a feeling that you’d be disappointed, my friends. The beef gives these a richness that ground turkey definitely doesn’t have. And if you get grass-feed beef, it’s much healthier than most ground turkey you find in the grocery store. 

If you’re looking for a vegan version, try mushroom and cashew-based Vegan Sloppy Joes!

Storing this recipe for Sloppy Joes

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.SaveSave

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If you make one of my recipes, be sure to post it on social media and tag me at @perrysplate or #perrysplate so I can send you some love!

Sloppy Joe Recipe Easy FAQs

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