What’s the difference between a sloppy joe and a Manwich?

This one pops up a lot. A sloppy joe recipe typically starts with fresh ingredients — think ground beef, ketchup, mustard, and a handful of pantry spices. Meanwhile, Manwich is a canned sauce that you add to cooked meat. So, while both give you that classic messy sandwich, the homemade version is way fresher and customizable.

Can I make sloppy joes in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! A sloppy joe recipe works great in both. In a slow cooker, just brown your meat first, then add everything in and cook on low for 4–6 hours. If you're using an Instant Pot, sauté the meat right in the pot, toss in your sauce, then cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes. Easy, right?

What type of bun is best for sloppy joes?

Soft, absorbent buns work best. Surprisingly, the cheaper supermarket brands are perfect — they soak up all that juicy sauce. Want to level it up? Try potato rolls or brioche.

How do I thicken a runny sloppy joe mixture?

If your filling is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer with the lid off. Or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or even instant mashed potatoes. It works like magic!

Easy & Classic Sloppy Joe Recipe Guide

Description

This easy and classic sloppy joe recipe is a comforting American favorite made with ground beef, a sweet and tangy sauce, and soft hamburger buns. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
¾ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
6 hamburger buns, split

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to brown.
Add chopped onion and green bell pepper. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toast or warm the hamburger buns.
Divide the beef mixture evenly among the buns and serve hot.

Notes

Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
Make it vegetarian using lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce naturally.
Freeze the cooked filling for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT30M
Category: Lunch, Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 243
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 397mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 57mg

Keywords: sloppy joe recipe, easy sloppy joes, ground beef sandwich, weeknight dinner, homemade sloppy joe, classic American sandwich, family meal