Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe (The Only Sloppy Joes I Like!)

Let me just start by saying I’m actually not a fan of sloppy joes…unless my Mom makes them and then I just can’t get enough. I don’t know what it is about her recipe but almost everyone always says the same thing: the only sloppy joes they like are Martha’s Famous Sloppy Joes.

This easy homemade sloppy joe recipe is one of those nostalgic comfort meals that tastes way better than any sloppy joe should. It’s simple, flavorful, slightly sweet, and perfect for feeding both your family or a crowd.

She originally only had the version that feeds 60 but I divided it out for a smaller serving size of 4-6 if you’re just feeding your family instead of a large crowd. The directions stay the same no matter which serving size you’re making.

Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

A quick, saucy homemade sloppy joe on hamburger buns – a nostalgic weeknight classic that comes together in one skillet.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 tsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/4 cup celery chopped
• 1/2 cup onion chopped
• 1/4 cup green pepper chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns for serving

Method

 

1. Sauté the onions, green peppers, and celery until softened.
2. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Add the remaining ingredients, plus salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to taste.
4. Heat thoroughly and serve on hamburger-style buns.

Notes

Feeding a crowd? A scaled-up 60-serving version is included below the recipe.

FOR 60 SERVINGS:

Ingredients:

8 lbs ground beef
¼ c lemon juice
1 cup water
2 cups chopped celery
1 lb chopped onion
2 qts. Ketchup
4 oz brown sugar
2 tbsp dry mustard
1 cup chopped green pepper
½ cup vinegar
Hamburger Buns

Directions:

Saute onions, green peppers, and celery. Add meat and brown. Add remaining ingredients, salt and pepper and Worcestershire sauce to taste. Heat thoroughly.

Enjoy! Here are links to a few of our other favorite recipes our Mom made for us. Her Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, or her famous lemon salad dressing.

x.o. Emma