Easy 4 Ingredient Sloppy Joe's Recipe

If you're looking for a simple, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, these 4-ingredient sloppy joe’s are the answer. They're made with less than a handful of pantry staples - you only need ground beef, brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup - and they come together in just a few minutes!

My Take on 4-Ingredient Sloppy Joe's

Sloppy joe’s always remind me of my childhood, and this easy version brings back all those cozy memories.

I love how simple this recipe is - as I already mentioned you only need four ingredients to make it - and how can you beat having dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes.

On top of that, these sloppy Joe's are crazy delicious. The balance of the sweet brown sugar with the tang of mustard and ketchup gives the beef a flavorful, sticky sauce that’s perfect for piling onto some soft buns. Gah, they're good

Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Sloppy Joe's

Here's what you'll need to make this super easy sloppy Joe recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon mustard
• ½ cup ketchup
• 4 hamburger buns

How to Make 4-Ingredient Sloppy Joe’s in 4 Simple Steps

Just 4 simple steps are all you have to follow to make these sloppy Joe's.

Step 1: Cook The Beef

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Stir In The Sauces & Seasonings

Stir in the brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. Mix well until the beef is fully coated.

Step 3: Simmering

Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Serving

Serve the sloppy joe mixture on hamburger buns, and enjoy!

My Expert Tips for Making Sloppy Joe's

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. If you like it more tangy, increase the mustard.
• Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the hamburger buns adds a nice crunch and helps them hold up better against the sloppy joe mixture.
• Make it a Meal: Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sloppy joe mixture, and it'll stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

FAQ's

Can I freeze sloppy joe filling?

Yes! Let the beef mixture cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I add to make the sloppy joe's even more flavorful?

Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers while browning the ground beef. You can also throw in a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This 4-ingredient sloppy joe recipe is as simple as it gets, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor.

It's perfect for those nights when you need something quick and satisfying, without all the fuss.

As always, if you give it a shot let me know what you thought about it in the comments below.

More Dinner Recipes to Try Next

• Chicken Bryan
• Denver Steaks
• Chicken Al Pastor
• Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
• Fried Mustard Chicken
• Food Court Bourbon Chicken
• Frito pie