Mom'S Favorite Sloppy Joes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Mom's Favorite Sloppy Joes offer a hearty, flavorful beef filling with tangy ketchup, mustard, and sweet molasses, perfect for casual family dinners or weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. ground beef
  • 1 (28 oz.) bottle ketchup
  • 3 tsp. mustard
  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. molasses
  • 1/4 Tbsp. honey
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 c. water
  • salt

Instructions

  1. In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. In a separate pan, sauté onion in butter until soft.
  3. Turn off the burner once the onion is soft.
  4. Drain any grease off the meat.
  5. Put the meat back in a large pan.
  6. Pour the sautéed onion over the meat.
  7. Mix in the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.
  8. Serve with bread or buns of your choice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten things up. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños. To save time, you can use pre-chopped onions or even frozen diced onions. Ensure to adjust the salt levels according to your taste, especially if using canned ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sloppy joes on soft sandwich buns or toasted bread. They pair beautifully with a side of coleslaw or crispy potato chips for added crunch. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a side of Beef And Mashed Potatoes or a light salad to balance the flavors. Enjoy with your favorite pickles or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover sloppy joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the portions in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Favorite Sloppy Joes contains roughly 1261 calories, with 1g protein, 326g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (39% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 479mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

1261 kcal 63% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.8g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 325.7g 100% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 321.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 478.6mg 21% DV
Potassium 1817.8mg 39% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32.9mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2.1mg 2% DV
Calcium 403.4mg 31% DV
Iron 6.6mg 36% DV
Diet fit Low-fat

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! Sloppy joes can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making them even tastier. If you're in a hurry, you can also prepare the meat mixture and have the rest of the ingredients ready to go.

How can I thicken my sloppy joes?

If your sloppy joe mixture is too runny, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the mixture and cook until thickened.

Can I freeze sloppy joes?

Yes, sloppy joes freeze well! Allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.

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).

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