Grandma'S St. Louis Sloppy Joes
Juicy, flavorful Sloppy Joes with beef, tomato, and crunchy celery, perfect for a quick family meal served on soft hamburger buns with a savory, comforting taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped celery in water until tender; set aside.
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add tomato soup and mix well with the beef and onion.
- Stir in cooked celery and add enough reserved water to achieve a sloppy, but not runny, consistency.
- Heat the mixture to desired serving temperature.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion with a bit of garlic before adding the ground beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sloppy joes on toasted hamburger buns for a delightful crunch. Pair them with classic sides like coleslaw or potato chips for a complete meal. These sandwiches also pair beautifully with Karla'S Pot Roast for a hearty dinner option or can be served alongside a fresh salad for a lighter touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S St. Louis Sloppy Joes contains roughly 239 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value).
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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it on the stove when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can substitute it with a can of crushed tomatoes mixed with a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of salt. This will provide a similar sweetness and consistency to the dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like Beyond Meat. You can also add more veggies, such as bell peppers and mushrooms, to enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
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).