Perfect Sloppy Joe
A legend of the dinner table, the Sloppy Joe has always mixed comfort with flavor in the messiest of packages. But what if there was a version that took everything up a notch? This food-lover Sloppy Joe brings together the smoky, tangy, and sweet for a tasty mess served up on buttery toasted brioche buns.
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Do not forget to check out my Chefs Tips and Wine Pairings sections below!
A 20th-century favorite, many of us have nostalgic memories of Sloppy Joes from childhood. But we can take this family classic to new heights with deep flavor, rich suave, and perfectly balanced notes of smoke, tang, and sugar.
It all starts with a saucy filling loaded up with savory beef, sautéed aromatics, and just the right kick of spice.
We bind all that together with a combo sauce that rocks BBQ flavors, A1, hot sauce, and even molasses!? Yes Molasses!
It’s all brought to life with splashes of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for that Perfect. Bright. Bite!
But what bun is capable of holding this meaty masterpiece? A garlic-aioli toasted brioche bun! – what else!!??
A little history
Sloppy Joes have been around (it seems like) forever, but is there anyone that
can agree on where they came from? No, that’s a solid no! Some say they started as loose meat sandwiches in the ‘20s, others swear a cook named Joe in Iowa was the mastermind. Either way, by the ‘50s, they were everywhere—on dinner tables, in school cafeterias, and even canned for convenience. As the years have passed, people have added their own twists. From chili sauce to melted cheese and everything in between. One thing’s for sure: they’re messy, saucy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Read much more about The History of Sloppy Joes
The Recipe is next!
But remember, you can scroll past the recipe to learn a bunch more about The Perfect Sloppy Joe. Plus wine parings!! The recipe is listed again at the end – so you don’t have to come all the way back up here!! Unless you want to 🙂
Perfect Sloppy Joe
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 3 tablespoons BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 2 teaspoons A1 Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Hot Sauce, to taste
- 4 teaspoons Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons Beef Broth, for deglazing
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Diced Tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Yellow Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Molasses, or Dark Brown Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
Sautéed Aromatics
- 1 Small Onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Small Bell Pepper, finely diced (color of choice)
For the Buns
- 4 Brioche Buns, or your preferred type
- Garlic Aioli for slathering!
Optional Toppings
- Cheese: Sharp Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, or American Cheese
- Pickled Onions or Jalapeños, for tang and crunch
- Crispy Fried Onions, for extra texture
Instructions
Cook the Beef and Aromatics
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil or butter.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
Build the Sauce and Simmer
- Deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons beef broth, scraping up any browned bitsReturn the cooked ground beef to the skillet.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, ketchup, A1 sauce, smoked hot sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, diced tomatoes, mustard, chili powder, molasses, and salt.
- Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Toast, Assemble, and Serve
- Toast brioche buns with garlic aioli in a skillet or under a broiler until golden.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto the buns and add optional toppings like cheese, pickled onions, or crispy fried onions.
- Serve hot with fries, chips, or coleslaw on the side.
Lots of good stuff below!
Don’t run off to the kitchen just yet! There’s plenty more to help you make these Sloppy Joes truly legendary—from how to get that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky to the best bun-to-filling ratio and must-try toppings. Curious about keeping it from turning into a soggy mess? Or which wines pair best with the sauce? Hang around—I cover all that below, plus you’ll find the recipe again at the end, so you won’t have to scroll back up!
Why this works
- Bold, Layered Flavor — The single best way to improve on the traditional Sloppy Joe recipe is through the sauce. We mix of BBQ sauce, A1, smoked hot sauce, and Worcestershire to craft a deep, smoky, tangy sauce.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweet and Tangy Notes — You get the sweetness of molasses and ketchup, which is then balanced by the tang of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Remember, there is a method to the madness: Mastering Flavor
- Rich and Meaty Texture — You’ll pulling out all the stops in tending to the beef, first browning it to perfection before simmering it in the sauce until you get a thick, hearty filling that clings to the bun without being too runny.
- Aromatics for Extra Depth — Sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers develop the flavor while also adding slightly to the texture.
- Toasted Brioche Buns — These are absolute showstoppers. Brushing the buns with garlic aioli before toasting adds a delicious finish.
- Fun to Customize — There are so many ways to tailor this to your own tastes. Cheese, pickled onions, or crispy fried onions can dial in the texture and flavor. Having some options at the table can let everyone have their own special experience.
- Smoky Heat with Depth — The Smoked hot sauce and chili powder add a subtle warmth. But thanks to the diversity of flavors, you won’t overpower the Sloppy Joes.
- Saucy but Not Soggy — A perfect Sloppy Joe recipe requires sauce that gives you that messy appeal without sogging up your bun. The toasted bun and the thicker sauce gets you that precious combination. You can thicken a sauce in many ways: How to thicken a sauce
- Quick and Easy — Our Sloppy Joes cook up in about half an hour. That makes them a gourmet comfort meal that you can whip up on a busy weeknight.
How to make the Perfect Sloppy Joe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Aromatics
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil or butter.
- Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened (3-5 minutes).
Step 2: Build the Sauce and Simmer
- Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Return the beef to the skillet and stir in BBQ sauce, ketchup, A1 sauce, smoked hot sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, diced tomatoes, mustard, chili powder, molasses, and salt.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened, then taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 3: Toast, Assemble, and Serve
- Toast brioche buns with garlic aioli until golden.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto the buns, adding optional toppings like cheese, pickled onions, or crispy fried onions.
- Serve hot with fries, chips, or coleslaw on the side.
Take It to the Next Level
- Use a Blend of Meats — A couple packs of ground beef will work. But if you are looking to something special, upgrade the meat with by mixing ground beef with ground brisket, short rib, or even ground pork. I love, love, love this: How to blend your own meat!
- Let the Sauce Simmer Longer — Giving the sauce more time to simmer will develop the flavor and texture. Even an extra 10 minutes makes all the difference.
- Make It Extra Smoky — A pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke enhances the flavor and adds that summery sense of BBQ.
- Add a Crunch Factor — Crunch is a delectable contrast to the Sloppy Joe’s gooeyness. Try crispy fried onions, pickled jalapeños, or even crushed potato chips.
- Toast the Buns Properly — After brushing with garlic aioli or melted butter, toast the brioche bun until golden brown.
- Melt the Cheese Directly on the Filling — Add the cheese into your filling, letting it melt in the few minutes before serving. This will add some bonding protein and creaminess. Experiment with sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for variation in flavor and texture.
- Try a Spicy Kick — For something really fiery, you can always add diced chipotle peppers in adobo, extra hot sauce, or a touch of cayenne.
- Make It a Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese — There are many ways to serve up the Sloppy Joe filling. One of our favorites is on two slices of buttered sourdough. Grill that up until crispy for a hybrid grilled cheese Sloppy Joe.
Chefs tips
- Brown the Beef Properly — Let the ground beef sear undisturbed for the first few minutes before breaking it up. This is how you caramelize the beef and get the flavor to fully develop for you. Here is a good one from our friends at Bon Appetit: How to brown meat
- Drain Excess Fat — High-fat ground beef will throw off the balance of your filling, making it much too oily. So always drain excess grease before you add it to the sauce.
- Deglaze for Extra Flavor — After cooking the beef, add beef broth and scrape the browned bits. This forms the mouth-watering base of your standout Sloppy Joe.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency — You can thin the sauce with a splash of broth. On the other hand, you can thicken it by simmering uncovered for a few minutes. Dialing this detail in is critical to making the perfect Sloppy Joe recipe a truly perfect Sloppy Joe experience.
- Toast the Buns Just Right — Too much butter or garlic aioli will make your buns soggy. Too little, and you miss out on flavor.
- Taste and Adjust — Because the sauce relies on premade ingredients (like BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and mustard), there is so much potential variance due to brands. So it’s important (and fun) to taste as you go.
- Let It Rest Before Serving — Let the filling rest for five minutes before placing it on the bun. This lets it thicken up a bit. It also means everyone can dive right in when they get their plate!
- Make It Ahead — With the onions and vinegar and various sauces, the filling tastes better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Skip ahead Jump to Recipe
Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef — This is the heart of the dish. Go for an 80/20 blend or leaner. You’ll find the balance that works for you.
- BBQ Sauce — A truly great BBQ sauce is smoky, sweet, and tangy. Never rest until you find your favorite.
- Worcestershire Sauce — It brings so much umami to your Sloppy Joe, even in small portions.
- Tomato Paste — Thickens the sauce and intensifies the rich tomato base without watering it down.
- Molasses (or Dark Brown Sugar) — Provides deep caramelized sweetness, which balances the acidity and spice while bringing dark flavor, too.
- Brioche Buns — Soft and buttery yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Wine Pairings
Zinfandel (California, USA)
Why it Works: Zinfandel’s ripe fruitiness, smoky complexity, and touch of sweetness make it a perfect match for the rich, saucy Sloppy Joe filling. The lush blackberry and peppery notes complement the BBQ sauce and chili powder, while its soft tannins balance the beef’s savory depth.
Tasting Notes: Ripe blackberry, black pepper, plum, and vanilla.
Suggested Label: Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Zinfandel
Grenache (Southern Rhône, France)
Why it Works: This medium-bodied red has just the right mix of bright red fruit, soft tannins, and warm spice to balance the bracing acidity of the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in the Sloppy Joe filling. It’s smooth and food-friendly, keeping the flavors in harmony without overwhelming the dish.
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, cherry, white pepper, and dried herbs.
Suggested Label: Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Dry Lambrusco (Emilia-Romagna, Italy)
Why it Works: The slight fizz and lively structure of a dry Lambrusco cut through the richness of the beef, while its dark berry and earthy notes pair seamlessly with the smoky BBQ sauce and molasses. Plus, the bubbles keep it feeling refreshing on the palate.
Tasting Notes: Black cherry, violet, blackberry, and a touch of spice.
Suggested Label: Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Lambrusco
Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)
Why it Works: Malbec’s deep fruitiness and velvety tannins work wonders with the beefy, umami-packed filling. Its dark berry flavors and subtle smokiness enhance the tomato paste, A1 sauce, and chili powder, making every bite more layered and expressive.
Tasting Notes: Black plum, cocoa, blueberry, and a hint of tobacco.
Suggested Label: Catena Malbec
Off-Dry Riesling (Mosel, Germany)
Why it Works: A touch of sweetness and crisp minerality make off-dry Riesling a surprising but fantastic match. It balances the spiced heat from the hot sauce while highlighting the acid-driven brightness of the mustard and vinegar. The high-acid profile keeps everything precise and lifted.
Tasting Notes: Green apple, peach, honey, and lime.
Suggested Label: Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling
Faq’s
There are a lot of ways you can change up the meet. Go half and half with beef and pork, or opt for lean options like turkey and chicken. Even popular plant-based alternatives are wonderful with the sauce. If you need some more fat with these options, just add some oil to the sauce.
The best is a smoky sauce that’s a tad on the sweet side, but everyone’s preferences are unique. A spicy bottle of BBQ sauce is a great swap if you are looking for more heat. If you like vinegar, try a North Carolina style.
Not necessarily. You can also try potato rolls and Kaiser buns. But if you haven’t given it a shot, try brioche buns. They’re both buttery and substantial.
Yes. In fact, the filling actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
You need to toast the buns with garlic aioli or butter to create the protective layer that can resist the filling. Many people serve Sloppy Joes open-faced for less mess.
Classic sides include fries, coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple side salad. But you can also elevate here with our perfect deviled eggs and roasted brussel sprouts.
Yes! Let the filling cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
There are many ways to boost the heat. Extra hot sauce, diced peppers, and chipotle in adobo can be thrown into the filling.
Equipment Needed for the Perfect Sloppy Joe
Large Skillet or Sauté Pan —For cooking the meat and sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula — For breaking up the beef and stirring the sauce.
Sharp Knife — For dicing the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
Cutting Board — For prepping vegetables and aromatics.
Measuring Spoons and Cups — For portioning ingredients.
Toasting Pan or Broiler — For toasting bun.
Perfect Sloppy Joe
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 3 tablespoons BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 2 teaspoons A1 Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Hot Sauce, to taste
- 4 teaspoons Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons Beef Broth, for deglazing
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Diced Tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Yellow Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Molasses, or Dark Brown Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
Sautéed Aromatics
- 1 Small Onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Small Bell Pepper, finely diced (color of choice)
For the Buns
- 4 Brioche Buns, or your preferred type
- Garlic Aioli for slathering!
Optional Toppings
- Cheese: Sharp Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, or American Cheese
- Pickled Onions or Jalapeños, for tang and crunch
- Crispy Fried Onions, for extra texture
Instructions
Cook the Beef and Aromatics
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil or butter.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
Build the Sauce and Simmer
- Deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons beef broth, scraping up any browned bitsReturn the cooked ground beef to the skillet.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, ketchup, A1 sauce, smoked hot sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, diced tomatoes, mustard, chili powder, molasses, and salt.
- Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Toast, Assemble, and Serve
- Toast brioche buns with garlic aioli in a skillet or under a broiler until golden.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto the buns and add optional toppings like cheese, pickled onions, or crispy fried onions.
- Serve hot with fries, chips, or coleslaw on the side.