Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

An old fashioned sloppy Joe on a bun with potato chips and pickles.

4.67 from 3 votes

This classic Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes recipe is made with ground beef and a homemade tangy tomato-based sauce using pantry staples. It's an easy dinner the whole family will love. Make it on the stove in 30 minutes or use the crockpot for set-and-forget convenience.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Game Day recipes, Main Dish, Weeknight Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 361kcal

Author: Lori

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
2 celery stalks finely chopped
⅓ cup yellow or white onion finely chopped
⅓ cup green pepper finely chopped, optional
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup barbeque sauce
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
salt and black pepper to taste
4 hamburger buns

Instructions

Stovetop Directions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with celery, onions and green pepper until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are soft and translucent. Drain off grease if necessary.
1 pound lean ground beef, 2 celery stalks, ⅓ cup yellow or white onion, ⅓ cup green pepper
Add the ingredients for the sauce and stir to combine.
¼ cup ketchup, ¼ cup barbeque sauce, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, salt and black pepper
Cook over medium low heat for 15-30 minutes or until heated through and the sauce has thickened.

Crock Pot Directions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped vegetables until beef is cooked through and the vegetables have softened. Drain off grease if needed.
Add cooked meat and the sauce ingredients to slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through.

Notes

Serve immediately on burger buns or keep warm in the crockpot until you're ready to serve.
This recipe makes 4 hearty sandwiches or 6-8 smaller sandwiches. If you're serving as appetizers or feeding younger kids, serve on slider buns and reduce the amount of meat filling per sandwich.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Make ahead directions: prepare as directed in the stove top directions and refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve. Reheat on the stove top or in the microwave before serving.
Freezer directions: make the recipe as directed. Allow cooked meat to cool before transferring to a resealable freezer bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To use: defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove top or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition