Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe

In my opinion, anything that’s served on a bun or eaten with your hands is the perfect family-friendly meal. I grew up eating Manwich sloppy joes.  Rather than use the canned sloppy joe sauce that is full of sodium, I gave home-made sloppy joes a try.  I used a coupon and got a can of fire-roasted tomatoes for next to nothing, so I built my sloppy joe recipe around those smoky tomatoes.

Our yummy homemade sloppy joe sauce

 To make the recipe as healthy as possible, use a ground meat that is naturally low in fat, such as, lean beef, turkey, venison, or chicken.   Serve your smoky joe on a whole wheat bun alongside fruit or veggies and you have a quick and easy, updated favorite.

sloppy joe sauce

Smokey Joes

  • 1 lb lean ground meat
  • ¾ c chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 t. whole wheat baking mix (or Bisquick)
  • 1 T apple cider vinegar
  • 2 t. brown sugar
  • 1 t. chili powder
  • 2 t. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 t. salt
  • Dash of hot pepper sauce (if desired)
  • ¼ c. shredded cheese (cheddar, Monteray jack, American, your choice)

sloppy joe sauce

In a large skillet, cook meat, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned.  Drain off fat.  Stir in the undrained tomatoes and next 7 ingredients.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat.  Simmer for 5 minutes.  If necessary, simmer 3-5 minutes more or until mixture is to desired consistency.  Add cheese and stir until melted.  To serve, spoon mixture onto toasted buns and top with pickles.

Make sure to check out all of Connie’s recipes! She is a wonderful cook!

You might also like our Homemade Enchilada Sauce and Homemade Taco Seasoning