Onion Sloppy Joes

Cook: 8 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Juicy ground beef simmered with onion soup mix and ketchup creates a sweet and savory filling perfect for hearty, crowd-pleasing sloppy Joes served on soft hamburger buns.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 envelope onion soup mix
  • 1 c. water
  • 1 c. ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 6 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. In a 10-inch skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in the onion soup mix, water, ketchup, and brown sugar.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
  5. Serve the hot filling on hamburger buns.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or garlic while browning the beef. If you're short on time, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. You can also use homemade barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a different twist. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, similar to other American recipes that prioritize simplicity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sloppy Joe filling on toasted hamburger buns for added texture. This dish pairs wonderfully with coleslaw or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, consider serving it with sweet potato fries or alongside chips. If you're looking for more inspiration, browse more beef recipes for hearty meal ideas.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Sloppy Joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Onion Sloppy Joes contains roughly 336 calories, with 6g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1469mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

336 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 12.6g 16% DV
Carbs 53.6g 19% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 31.5g 63% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1468.8mg 64% DV
Potassium 392.4mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 22.4mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 35mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 5.2mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 77.1mg 6% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit 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?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings, allowing the flavors to meld even more.

What can I use instead of hamburger buns?

If you don't have hamburger buns, consider using slider rolls, pita bread, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Additionally, you can serve the filling over rice or in baked potatoes for a creative twist.

How can I spice up my Sloppy Joes?

For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. You can also mix in some chili powder or smoked paprika for added depth. This will give your Sloppy Joes a unique flavor profile, reminiscent of Paul Bunyan's Chili.

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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