Sloppy Joes

This quick and classic sloppy joe recipe is the ultimate no-fuss dinner. Made with ground beef, tomato paste, water, and simple spices, it comes together in just 20 minutes. The result is a saucy, flavorful filling that’s perfect for piling onto buns for an easy weeknight meal everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Sloppy Joes

• Simple Ingredients: Just meat, tomato paste, water, and spices.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Affordable pantry staples keep costs low.
• Customizable: Adjust spices to make it mild or spicy.

Recipe Tips

• Simmer to Thicken: Let it cook uncovered so the sauce reduces.
• Adjust Water: Add more or less depending on how saucy you like it.
• Toast the Buns: A quick toast keeps the bread from getting soggy.
• Double the Batch: Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Sloppy Joes Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular chili powder.
• Sweet & Tangy: Stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar or vinegar.
• Turkey Swap: Make it lighter by using ground turkey instead of beef.

Swaggy Eats

Sloppy Joes

These easy sloppy joes are made with just ground beef, tomato paste, water, and spices. A quick, no-fuss dinner that’s full of flavor and ready in minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ib ground beef
• 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Equipment

• large skillet

Method

 

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
3. Add the water and all spices. Stir well until combined.
4. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a sloppy joe consistency. Add more water if it gets too thick.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning (more garlic powder, salt, or chili powder if needed).
6. Spoon onto rolls and serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving, without rolls)

• Calories: 220
  
• Protein: 20g
  
• Fat: 14g
  
• Carbohydrates: 6g
  
• Fiber: 1g
  
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg

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