Super Sloppy Joes
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
After all the snacks and treats last week, I thought it was time to kick off this week with a main dish recipe—and what better way to do it than with Super Sloppy Joes? But I have to admit—the baking bug has officially caught me, and I can’t resist sharing a few more sweet recipes before Halloween! So, expect some festive treats throughout the week, but don’t worry—I’ve planned a lineup of pumpkin-themed goodies for October 25–30. I promise to sneak in at least one savory dish during that time, too!
Today’s recipe is inspired by Deborah from Taste and Tell, whose sloppy joe recipe caught my attention. Her version uses tomato soup, just like mine, but also includes a generous amount of onion and celery. That got me thinking—could I combine her recipe with mine and sneak in those extra veggies without my kids noticing? With my food processor on standby, I decided to finely mince the celery and onion and give it a shot.
And guess what? It totally worked! Not a single complaint, not a single question—they just devoured their Super Sloppy Joes like usual. Not only did the hidden veggies blend seamlessly into the mix, but they also made the meat incredibly moist and flavorful. So if you’re looking for a clever way to boost the nutrition in your family’s dinner, this trick is a game-changer! If you prefer a more rustic texture, feel free to dice the onions and celery instead of mincing them.
Beyond just being a quick and satisfying meal, sloppy joes also have a special Halloween tradition in my husband’s family. Growing up, his family always served sloppy joes on Halloween night—the perfect fuel for little ghouls and goblins before they headed out to collect candy. If you’re hosting a pre-trick-or-treat dinner, these are a great choice! You can even keep the meat warm in a crockpot so everyone can grab a sandwich as they come back from their candy haul.
Ingredients for Super Sloppy Joes
- GROUND BEEF
- CELERY
- ONIONS
- TOMATO SOUP
- SALT
- CHILI POWDER
- SUGAR
- BARBECUE SAUCE
- HAMBURGER BUNS
Instructions for Super Sloppy Joes
Brown the Beef & Vegetables: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, along with finely chopped onion and celery. Stir frequently, breaking up the beef into crumbles as it cooks. The onion and celery will soften and blend into the meat, creating extra moisture and flavor. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease to keep the mixture from becoming too oily.
Add the Sauce & Seasonings: Once the beef is cooked, stir in tomato soup, salt, chili powder, sugar, and barbecue sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the beef is fully coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. The barbecue sauce adds a smoky-sweet depth, while the chili powder brings just the right touch of warmth. If you like your sloppy joes extra saucy, feel free to add more barbecue sauce until you reach your preferred consistency.
Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to come together and thicken slightly, ensuring the sauce clings beautifully to the beef. The longer you let it simmer, the more flavorful and rich the mixture becomes!
Assemble & Serve: Once the sloppy joe meat is hot and thickened, spoon generous portions onto soft hamburger buns. Serve immediately for a comforting, messy, and delicious meal! If serving for a gathering, you can keep the mixture warm in a slow cooker so guests can assemble their sandwiches as they arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor.
How do I make the sloppy joe mixture thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or reducing the sauce by simmering it longer. You can also mix in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) to help thicken the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet and spoon onto fresh buns.
What toppings go well with sloppy joes?
Some great toppings include: shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness, pickle slices for a tangy crunch, diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or crispy bacon for added texture.
Can I freeze sloppy joe meat?
Yes! Let the mixture cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
To keep the buns from getting too soft, try toasting them lightly before adding the sloppy joe mixture. You can also spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the inside of the bun to create a barrier.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours for a deeper, richer flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or barbecue sauce to refresh the flavors.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Super Sloppy Joes
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 ½ cups celery finely minced (I use a food processor to mince them)
- 1 ½ cups onion finely minced (I use a food processor to mince them)
- 10 ¾ oz can condensed tomato soup
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp or more barbecue sauce
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown hamburger along with the onion and celery over medium heat.
- Add the soup, salt, chili powder, sugar and barbecue sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. You can add more barbecue sauce to make it the consistency you like. Serve on buns.
Nutrition
