What are the ingredients for Sloppy Joes?

Classic sloppy joes are made with ground beef, ketchup or tomato sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and served on buns.

How to make Sloppy Joes more flavorful?

You can add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce to boost the flavor.

Can I use ketchup instead of tomato paste for Sloppy Joes?

Yes, ketchup is commonly used in sloppy joe recipes and gives a sweet, tangy flavor compared to tomato paste.

What's the difference between a sloppy joe and a sloppy Jane?

A sloppy joe uses ground beef, while a sloppy Jane typically uses ground turkey or a vegetarian alternative.

Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe 3 Ingredients

Name: Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/8 cup brown sugar; 1/8 cup yellow mustard; 1/2 cup ketchup; 4 hamburger buns

Description

This easy sloppy joe recipe is a quick and comforting meal made with just 3 simple ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights. Sweet, tangy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a family-friendly favorite you can whip up in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1/8 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
4 hamburger buns

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
Drain the excess grease.
Stir in brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. Mix until fully combined.
Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to let the flavors come together.
Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.

Notes

Want it spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes!
Toast the buns for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Great for meal prep—store the filling in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American