This super easy sloppy joes recipe requires only 5 ingredients and will be ready in 15 minutes! It’s the perfect weeknight meal for those busy days when you want to whip up something the whole family will love!
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
Here's why this Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe is a winner:
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. You might already have everything you need in your pantry! For a just as easy but more filling meal, try these chicken thighs with bell peppers.
- Quick: It takes just 15 minutes to make this recipe. It's perfect for busy weeknights, similar to our beef stroganoff recipe.
- Family Favorite: Everyone loves a good sloppy joe. It's a comforting, hearty meal that's always a hit with kids and adults.
- Versatile: Not only is this recipe easy, but it's also incredibly versatile. You can serve it on your favorite buns or even on a bed of rice for a different twist.
- Flavor: The combination of ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor that's absolutely delicious!
Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef – The star of our sloppy joes, ground beef provides a hearty, meaty base for the dish.
- Ketchup and Mustard – These condiments not only add a tangy, sweet flavor to the sloppy joes but also act as the base for the sauce.
- Yellow Onion – Chopped onions add a delicious, aromatic flavor to the dish and complement the beef and sauces beautifully.
- Brown Sugar – It adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the tangy flavors of the ketchup and mustard.
Substitutions and Variations
This easy 5-ingredient sloppy joe recipe is a classic, but there's always room for a personal twist. Here are some of our favorite variation ideas:
- Ground Turkey: If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey is a great substitute for beef.
- Spices: While we love the simplicity of this recipe, feel free to add your favorite spices to kick up the flavor. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce can take these sloppy joes to the next level.
- Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots for a boost of nutrition. They'll blend right in with the sauce and picky eaters will never know!
How to Make 5 Ingredient Easy Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Add ground beef to a medium pot and cook it over medium heat until brown and all the liquid evaporates. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes.
Step 2: Combine brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup with the beef and onion. Stir to combine. Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Serve the flavorful mixture on buns.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
What to Serve with 5 Ingredient Easy Sloppy Joes
- For a classic take, serve your homemade sloppy joes on warm, toasted hamburger buns. The softness of the buns pairs perfectly with the hearty meat mixture, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
- If you're in the mood for some extra crunch, add a handful of potato chips on the side or even on the sandwich itself. The saltiness and crispness of the chips will compliment the sweet and tangy flavor of the sloppy joe.
- For a cheesy meal, sprinkle a generous amount of your favorite cheese on top of the sloppy joe mix before sandwiching it between the buns. The melted cheese adds a creamy texture and an extra layer of flavor.
- If you're looking for a hearty side, pair your sloppy joe sandwiches with some homemade french fries or roasted potatoes. The starchy potatoes make a great companion to the rich, savory sloppy joe.
- For a bit of freshness, add a side of corn on the cob or a green salad. The sweet corn or crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory sandwich.
- And for those who love a bit of spice, add a dash of hot sauce to your sloppy joe recipe. It'll give your sandwich a fiery kick and elevate the taste to a whole new level.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this recipe, you can use either ground beef or ground turkey. If you're watching your calories, lean ground beef or ground turkey is a healthier alternative. Both will bring out the delicious flavor of the homemade sloppy joes.
Absolutely! Just brown your meat and onions in a skillet first, then transfer them to your crockpot. Add the remaining ingredients and let it cook on low for a few hours. This slow cooking method can enhance the flavor even more. But since this recipe is so quick and easy, I recommend trying the stovetop method as per the recipe instructions.
Certainly! If you want to add more flavor, you can include spices such as garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce. Just remember to taste as you go to make sure the seasoning is to your liking.
The sloppy joe filling can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
More Easy Dinners
Recipe
Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe (5 Ingredients Only!)
Ingredients
- 1 Ib ground beef
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mustard
- 1 Yellow onion chopped
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Add ground beef to a medium pot and cook it stirring from time to time, over medium heat until browned and until all the liquid evaporates. Add the onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add in brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. Stir to combine.
- Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Serve on buns, optionally you can serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Nutrition
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Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Bonnie Roripaugh says
Just finished making the 5 ingredient Sloppy Joe recipe. Easy! And,so tasty!
My roommate came home and said ‘what did you make that smells so good?’
Thank you for the quick and easy recipe.
Iryna Bychkiv says
Bonnie, thank you for your comment and 5-star rating! I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe:)
JANE T RITCHUK says
looks delish, owever, I think the nutritional info is incorrect
Iryna Bychkiv says
Jane, thank you for your comment! You are so right. For some reason, my nutritional calculator didn't do proper calculations. I fixed it already. Thank you for pointing that out!