Skip to content

FREE WEEKLY MEAL PREPS! Sign up Now!

The BEST Ever Sloppy Joe Recipe

Published on April 4, 2024 by Sarah Troester
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

These homemade sloppy joes are the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist – our best ever sloppy joe recipe! Packed with savory flavors and a hint of heat from fresh jalapeño peppers, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make.

As a mom who loves to cook classic recipes for my family but is always short on time, I couldn’t be more excited to share with you my go-to recipe for the best ever sloppy joe with a spicy little twist.

Picture this: A hectic evening, hungry kids running around, and dinner needing to be on the table in a flash. Does this sound familiar to you? This sloppy joe recipe has saved the day more times than I can count!

With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of jalapeño peppers for a kick, this dish is a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.

I love how versatile this recipe is! Whether you’re serving it up on a busy weeknight or at a casual weekend gathering, it never fails to impress. Plus, the added bonus of sneaking in some veggies with the peppers and onions makes me feel like a superhero mom!

If you’re looking to add a little spice to your family dinners without sacrificing on flavor or time, you are going to love sloppy joes! Trust me, they’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire in no time.

why your whole family will love this sloppy joe recipe

  • Flavorful Twist: This sloppy joe recipe offers a delicious twist with the addition of fresh jalapeño peppers. The subtle heat elevates the classic dish to a whole new level of flavor. Also, if heat is not where your heart is at you can simply omit the jalapeño peppers and still serve the most fabulous sloppy joes!
  • Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy families, this recipe is quick and easy to make. It just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s a convenient option for those hectic weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast.
  • Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters in your family will love these sloppy joes! The combination of savory meat and classic flavors in a sweet, tangy sauce–this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!
  • Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you prefer to serve your sloppy joes on buns, over rice, or with a salad or side of veggies, the options are endless. This recipe is a go-to meal for any occasion.
  • Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something about a sloppy joe that just screams comfort food. This recipe is no exception. It’s a hearty satisfying dish that will warm your family’s hearts and bellies, making it a favorite mealtime choice for years to come.

ingredients

To make this easy and delicious sloppy joe recipe you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!

Here’s what we are working with:

  • ground beef
  • onion
  • green bell pepper
  • garlic
  • ketchup
  • brown sugar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • mustard
  • fresh jalapeño, for serving
  • shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
  • hamburger buns

how to make the best ever sloppy joes with jalapeño

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain off any excess fat.

Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard; season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Toast the hamburger buns in the oven or on a skillet. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture on the bottom half of each bun and top with the other half. Top with fresh jalapeño slices and/or shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

can I meal prep sloppy joes?

YES! This sloppy joes recipe makes one incredible and satisfying meal prep! This sloppy joes recipe is easy, low carb, and loaded with serious flavor. You will want to divide the skillet ingredients into 4 meal prep containers and get ready for one delicious week of prepped lunches!

When I meal prepped my sloppy joes, I replaced the bun with ranch coleslaw instead. To make the slaw, simply combine ranch dressing with shredded coleslaw. It’s crunchy deliciousness!

This meal prep does not need to be reheated which is great if you don’t have access to a microwave at work. However, to reheat simply place the slaw ingredients on the lid and heat up the sloppy joe mixture in the microwave. Hot or cold, sloppy joes are a fabulous meal prep option!

We sure hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having a family loved meal on the table–and one that saves you time behind the scenes!

Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.

Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!

ENJOY!

The BEST Ever Sloppy Joe Recipe

  • DFDairy-Free
  • GFGluten-Free
  • LCLow Carb
These homemade sloppy joes are the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist – our best ever sloppy joe recipe! Packed with savory flavors and a hint of heat from fresh jalapeño peppers, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound ground beef ,
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 6 hamburger buns, for serving
  • fresh slices of jalapeño, for serving
  • shredded cheddar cheese, optional for serving

Instructions 

  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain off any excess fat.
  • Add the onion, green pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard; season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Place the beef mixture in the slow cooker along with the tomato soup, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  • Toast the hamburger buns in the oven or on a skillet.
  • Spoon the sloppy joe mixture on the bottom half of each bun and top with the other half. Top with fresh jalapeño slices and/or shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Equipment

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this sloppy joe with jalapeño recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!