Get ready for a hearty, hand-held classic with a sweet and tangy twist! These Amish Sloppy Joes are a family favorite, featuring a perfectly balanced sauce that’s not too sweet and not too tangy, simmered with savory ground beef and served on soft buns. They’re incredibly easy to make, wonderfully messy in the best way, and guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe takes me straight back to the bustling kitchens of church potlucks and family reunions, where huge electric skillets would be filled with simmering sloppy joe mixture. The aroma of onions, peppers, and that distinct sauce was always a sign that a delicious, no-fuss meal was ready. This version, with its from-scratch sauce, captures that same nostalgic, crowd-pleasing flavor that turns a simple sandwich into a comforting event.
Ingredients
Here is what you’ll need to make these sloppy joes:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
For Serving:
- 8 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
- Pickle slices (optional)
- Coleslaw or potato chips (optional, for serving)
Step-by-step instructions for making the recipe
Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Simmer: Pour the sauce over the cooked meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook and Thicken: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking and the flavors have melded.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the hamburger buns, add pickle slices if using, and top with the other bun half. Serve immediately.
Amish Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook diced onion and green pepper for 5-7 minutes until softened.1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 large yellow onion, 1 medium green bell pepper
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.2 lbs lean ground beef, 2 cloves garlic
- In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, vinegar, chili powder, salt, and pepper.1 cup ketchup, ½ cup water, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pour the sauce over the meat mixture. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Spoon onto hamburger buns, add pickles if desired, and serve.8 hamburger buns, pickle slices
Notes
Faq
Can I make these sloppy joes ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavor often improves after sitting for a bit. You can make the filling completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
This recipe is very adaptable. You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute with excellent results. If using a leaner meat like turkey, you may need to add an extra tablespoon of oil when browning.
My sauce is too thin/too thick. How can I fix it?
If the sauce is too thin after simmering, continue to cook it uncovered over low heat until it reduces to the desired consistency. If it is too thick, simply stir in a few tablespoons of water or beef broth until it loosens up.