Our Favorite [Sloppy] Joe

I grew up with this super simple recipe, and it has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on those busy nights when time is limited. It’s one of those go-to meals that makes an appearance at least a couple of times a month. There’s something so comforting about a good, messy Sloppy Joe that brings back memories of family dinners and the satisfaction of a hearty, no-fuss meal.

In my family, the classic way to enjoy a Sloppy Joe is with a slice of cheese melted on top, and always served with cheddar cheese potato chips on the side. But for the true lovers-of-joe in our house, the chips don’t stay on the side—they go right into the sandwich itself! The combination of the savory meat, melted cheese, and crunchy chips is a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or just craving something nostalgic, this Sloppy Joe recipe is sure to hit the spot. 

Our Favorite [Sloppy] Joe

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Course: Main Course

Keyword: easy, ground beef, quick, sandwich

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• ½ med – lg. onion, diced
• 3 T brown sugar more or less to taste
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 10¾oz. cans tomato soup depends on how sloppy you like your sandwiches

Instructions

• Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then brown it together with the onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 7-10 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the mixture from becoming too greasy.
• Add the tomato soup and brown sugar to the browned beef and onion mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-8 minutes, letting it thicken and the flavors meld together. Once the mixture has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.

  To serve, place a generous scoop of the meat mixture onto a hamburger bun. If you like, top with a slice of cheese and a handful of cheddar cheese potato chips for an extra crunch.

Notes

Note: If you prefer, these Sloppy Joes can be made without the brown sugar. However, the brown sugar helps to balance and cut through the sharp taste of the tomato soup, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor. Adjust according to your taste!