If you're looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this easy sloppy joe recipe is about to become your new favorite. It uses just three simple ingredients - ground beef, ketchup, and brown sugar - yet packs in all the classic sweet and tangy flavors you expect from Sloppy Joes.
Whether you're feeding a hungry family, teaching your teens how to cook their first dinners, or simply craving a nostalgic ground beef sandwich, these Sloppy Joes check all the boxes. I’ve even included an optional splash of Worcestershire sauce if you want to deepen that savory flavor.
Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anytime you want a no-fuss, no-chop meal that still tastes great.
Other simple and delicious hamburger based meals include this Easy Onion Soup Meatloaf, this Stove Top Suffing Meatloaf and this Quick and Healthy Hamburger Soup. Sometimes I forget that ground beef isn't always used for hamburgers!
Table of contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s budget-friendly. With just a pound of ground beef, ketchup, and brown sugar, you’ve got a hearty dinner without a big grocery bill.
- Super quick! From start to finish, you’re eating in about 15 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- No chopping needed. This sloppy joe recipe is so simple you don’t even need to pull out a cutting board. Just stir everything together in the skillet.
- Beginner friendly. It’s a fantastic recipe for new cooks or teens who want to start making dinners on their own.
- Great leftovers. Sloppy joes reheat well, so you can enjoy an easy lunch the next day.
- Easy to customize. Want more of a kick? Stir in a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter twist.
Ingredients
This is such a simple three ingredient Sloppy Joe mixture! Other optional add-ins are suggested in the Recipe Tips section further down.
1.25 pounds ground beef – Using the prepackaged size most grocery stores sell now.
¾ cup ketchup – Any brand works, but I usually grab whatever I have on hand.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Light or dark is fine, depending on what’s in your pantry.
Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a little savory depth, but totally optional.
Instructions
Step 1
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s a lot of grease, drain it off before moving on.
Step 2
Add the ketchup and brown sugar directly into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine.
Step 3
Let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors blend and the sauce thicken just a bit. If you're using Worcestershire sauce, stir that in too.
Step 4
Serve hot on your favorite hamburger buns. I like using brioche buns from Aldi for a slightly sweet, soft bite that works perfectly with the saucy filling.
Recipe Tips
If you prefer a less sweet Sloppy Joe, start with just 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and taste before adding more.
Toast your buns if you want a little more texture—just a minute or two in a dry skillet does the trick.
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This recipe makes 5 generous sandwiches, using about ¼ pound of meat per serving.
Optional Add-Ins (if you want to go beyond 3 ingredients)
– Add chopped onions or green peppers when browning the beef.
– Stir in a dash of mustard or hot sauce for extra zip.
– Sprinkle in garlic powder or onion powder for more depth.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
You can also freeze the meat mixture in an airtight container or zip bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed—great for quick lunches!
FAQs
Yes! Sloppy joes are actually even better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld. Simply cook the meat mixture as directed, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Traditional sloppy joes are served on soft hamburger buns, but you can use brioche buns, slider rolls, or even toasted sandwich bread. If you want to keep it a little tidier, try serving the sloppy joe filling in pita pockets.
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken work just fine in this recipe. They’ll be a little lighter in flavor, so you might want to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or an extra pinch of salt and pepper.
Other Hamburger Based Meals
Printable Recipe Card
Sloppy Joe Recipe - 3 Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds Ground beef Use your family favorite or what is on sale.
- ¾ cup Ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar Light or dark (or even white if you don't have brown on hand).
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Optional - I always like adding it to a beef base dish.
Hamburger Buns
- 5 Hamburger Buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s a lot of grease, drain it off before moving on.
- Add the ketchup and brown sugar directly into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors blend and the sauce thicken just a bit. If you're using Worcestershire sauce, stir that in too.
- Serve hot on your favorite hamburger buns. I like using brioche buns from Aldi for a slightly sweet, soft bite that works perfectly with the saucy filling.
Notes
Recipe Tips
If you prefer a less sweet Sloppy Joe, start with just 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and taste before adding more. Toast your buns if you want a little more texture—just a minute or two in a dry skillet does the trick. This recipe makes 5 generous sandwiches, using about ¼ pound of meat per serving.Optional Add-Ins (if you want to go beyond 3 ingredients)
– Add chopped onions or green peppers when browning the beef.– Stir in a dash of mustard or hot sauce for extra zip.
– Sprinkle in garlic powder or onion powder for more depth.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze the meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed—great for quick lunches!Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)
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