Homemade Sloppy Joes (Stovetop, Crockpot, or Instant Pot)

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There’s something irresistible about a warm, saucy, loose-meat sandwich piled onto a soft bun. These homemade sloppy joes are a nostalgic, family-favorite meal that’s simple enough for busy weeknights and easy to scale for a crowd. Whether you make them on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot, this recipe delivers the tangy, slightly sweet sloppy joe sauce that is a family favorite – without opening a can of Manwich.

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Growing up, Manwich Sloppy Joes were not a regular meal, but when we did have them, I always loved them! Crock Pot Sloppy Joes were one of my childhood favorites. 

And occasionally, when we didn’t have the canned stuff on hand, Mama would “wing it” and make homemade sloppy joe sauce.

She never really used a recipe – she’d just combine ketchup or tomato sauce with some brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings to make her own version. 

Sometimes they were the best sloppy joes… sometimes not so much. They were unpredictable. 😆

Since I love sloppy joes and I love consistency, I decided to come up with a Sloppy Joes recipe we loved and write it down, so I could make them again and again. 

For us, this is the best Sloppy Joe recipe. And it’s a recipe I love to use on a busy weeknight or lazy weekend. It’s easy, filling, and delicious! Oh – and even my picky eaters love sloppy joes!

Ingredients for Crockpot Sloppy Joes

You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store if you don’t already have them in your pantry.

• Ground beef (or lean ground beef, ground venison, or ground turkey)
• Yellow or white onion, finely chopped
• Green pepper (green bell peppers), finely chopped (I sometimes use red bell pepper instead if that’s what I have on hand)
• Minced garlic
• Yellow mustard
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Hamburger buns (soft buns, brioche buns, or toasted buns)

Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes

My favorite way to make homemade Sloppy Joes is in my Crockpot. But to cover all the bases, I’m sharing three ways to make this easy recipe today: a slow cooker recipe, a stove top recipe, and a pressure cooker recipe.

This Sloppy Joe recipe is not only easy but also versatile, making it a great meal my whole family loves.

Slow Cooker / Crockpot Sloppy Joes

Best for busy days.

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with onion, green pepper, and garlic until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are soft.
2. Drain excess liquid or grease.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to the Crockpot. Stir in the remaining ingredients: mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, until heated through and flavors meld.
5. Serve on hamburger buns. Add a slice of cheese if desired.

Stovetop Sloppy Joes

Quick and classic and ready in around 30 minutes.

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with onion, green pepper, and garlic until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened.
2. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in the rest of the ingredients: mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Serve on buns.

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

In a hurry and need a quick, hands-off meal?

1. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté. Add ground beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned.
2. Turn off Sauté and drain excess grease if needed.
3. Stir in mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on Manual for 5 minutes.
5. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quickly release any remaining pressure. Stir and serve.

Variations

• Leaner option: Ground turkey or lean ground beef works great – add tomato paste or Worcestershire for richness.
• More depth: A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar adds tang; chili powder or garlic powder adds warmth.
• Smoky twist: Stir in BBQ sauce.
• Extra comfort: Toast buns in butter or olive oil in a hot skillet, then top with cheese.
• Make ahead: Double the batch and freeze the leftover saucy meat mixture in an airtight or freezer-safe container.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade sloppy joe recipe can be kept simple by serving it with a side of potato chips, or you can make it a more filling, hearty meal by adding other sides. 

To fancy them up, serve the sloppy joe meat with toasted buns, pickles, and crunchy sides

• Classic sides: French fries, tater tots, potato chips, potato salad, Funeral potatoes, or classic coleslaw
• Lighter options: Creamy cucumber salad or a green salad
• For a crowd: Make a double batch to feed a large crowd.

Storage & Make-Ahead

With this classic comfort food, leftovers are sometimes better the next day than the day you made it.

• Make Ahead: This Crock Pot Sloppy Joe recipe is perfect for making ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3 – 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

FAQ

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