Barbecue Hamburger Sloppy Joes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 11 Cuisine: American

Juicy, smoky barbecue-style sloppy joes with ground beef, onions, and celery in a tangy ketchup and Worcestershire sauce mixture, perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fat
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 14-ounce bottle ketchup

Instructions

  1. Brown and drain the ground beef.
  2. Add chopped onions, garlic, and chopped celery to the skillet.
  3. Stir in salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.
  4. Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes to develop flavors.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some diced smoked bacon. If you're looking for a healthier option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. To save time, use pre-chopped veggies. This recipe is versatile; you can adjust the ketchup amount to suit your taste or substitute with barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sloppy Joes on toasted hamburger buns for the classic presentation. They pair well with coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a hearty meal, consider serving with baked beans or corn on the cob. These flavors also complement a side of Mary'S Dip for a fun appetizer before the main course.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out the meat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Hamburger Sloppy Joes contains roughly 313 calories, with 15g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

313 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.8g 30% DV
Total Fat 26.2g 34% DV
Carbs 3.6g 1% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 805mg 35% DV
Potassium 352.3mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 68.5mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 16.7mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 30.2mg 2% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture a day in advance. Just cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply heat it up and serve on buns. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.

What can I serve with Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own but are best paired with sides like sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. You might also consider serving with baked beans for a hearty meal. For something lighter, a simple cucumber and tomato salad can balance the dish perfectly.

Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the Sloppy Joe mixture for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove. This makes for a quick meal option later on!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Beef recipes → All recipes →