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    Home » Main Dishes

    Updated: Mar 22, 2025 · Published: Oct 22, 2022 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes

    Jump to Recipe

    Nothing like a good old-fashioned 3-ingredient sloppy joes recipe that the whole family will love. The easy homemade sauce is made of only 2 ingredients and is gluten-free. Together they make this classic ground beef sandwich saucy, sweet, and savory with a bit of tang.

    Plated with cheese on top.

    Why this Easy 3-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Recipe is the Best: No need to brown the meat in a skillet like all the other recipes. I will show you how to cook this on the stovetop in a pot so that the sloppy joe meat is tender, soft, & saucy!

    I first made this recipe when my kids were young and I realized I forgot to buy the sloppy joe seasoning packet I usually use. With 3 hungry toddlers, heading to the grocery store wasn't an option. The happy improvising is now the only way we make them.

    Large sloppy joe with cheese on a bun plated ready to eat.

    Ok, now we cook!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joe Meat
    • Topping Ideas for Sloppy Joes
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes
    • Storing & Reheating
    • FAQ
    • 3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes

    Ingredients

    This sloppy joe sandwich meat are made without tomato paste/sauce, BBQ sauce, salsa, or any added brown sugar. It's super cheap & budget-friendly because there is no need for extra spending like a can of Manwich.

    These simple sloppy joes with ketchup and mustard is already in your fridge!Simple, quick, & delish is the name of the game here. This recipe is one of my favorite ground beef recipes made with few ingredients.

    Ingredients on a table.

    Here are important notes for some ingredients:

    • Ground Beef - I recommend 80/20, but leaner ratios or even ground chicken or turkey will work.
    • Ketchup - this one item acts as both the tomato sauce base & sweetens it since almost every brand has sugar.
    • Mustard - prepared yellow mustard is best but you can also use dijon.

    See the recipe card for full list, quantities, & any substitutions/variations.

    How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joe Meat

    In less than 15 minutes, dinner is on the table. This is made in a pot, not a skillet like other ingredients & this is why this is the best... trust me!

    For the most tender and finely crumbled ground beef, boiling is the way to go. That will be the first step for making slopping joes, boil the ground beef.

    Adding water to a pot with ground beef in it.

    In a medium pot, add the ground beef & cover with 1-2 inches of water. Break up the meat in the water using a wooden spoon or spatula.

    Ground beef in a pot covered with water and a wooden spatula breaking it apart.

    Once the ground beef is broken up it should look like this. It is not pretty, I admit but it will be so good.

    Ground beef done boiling in a pot with fine pieces on a wooden spoon.

    Bring the meat and water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it is boiling, turn it down to a low simmer. Let cook until all the meat is brown, about 3 minutes.

    Ground beef in the pot cooked and a spoon showing finely ground pieces.

    Drain the meat in a colander with fine openings. Return the meat to the pot.

    Now it is time to add the sauce ingredients. Add in 1 cup of ketchup and ¼ a cup of yellow mustard. Keep the heat on low and let it heat through for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.

    Ground beef in a pot with ketchup and mustard added to make 3-ingredient sloppy joes.

    If you like a saucier sloppy joe, add ½ a cup of water when adding the ketchup and mustard. Let it simmer for longer to make the sauce that will thicken up as it cooks.

    Once the meat is ready, use a small spoon to do a taste test. Add optional salt & pepper to taste if desired. I find the ketchup and mustard add enough salt and flavor that it is not needed.

    Sloppy joe meat ready in the pot on the stove.

    Toast up some hamburger buns or your favorite rolls. Add the sloppy joe meat to each bun. Have fun adding toppings (ideas listed below) for a mega tasty sloppy joe sandwich that is just how you like it.

    Topping Ideas for Sloppy Joes

    Sloppy joes are great as they are with the rich meat in sauce and a toasted bun. But add some additional toppings or some great side dishes and the simple meal becomes even better.

    Here are some good ideas for what to put on top of your loose meat sandwich for more flavor. Choose one or more of these topping ideas.

    • Shredded Cheese
    • Chopped raw onions
    • Pickled onions
    • Coleslaw
    • Dill or sweet pickles
    • Raw or pickled sliced jalapenos
    • Hot sauce
    • Sliced avocado
    3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes (Gluten-Free) On a bun with shredded cheese and chopped onions to the side for topping.

    Serving Suggestions

    This delicious recipe is easy to make & economical so make it part of your regular mealtime routine & a back to school recipe favorite.

    What to Serve with Sloppy Joes made from scratch : This goes great with any number of the best sloppy joe side dishes to have a complete meal. All that is left is to cook up some fries in the air fryer and enjoy.

    Plated with a beer and a bowl of cheese in the background.

    Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes

    Here's my recipe for success - including what I learned when testing, fun stories, recipe history, and more.

    • #1 Tip - make sure to boil the ground meat, it comes out way more moist/tender than frying in a pan.
    • Condiment substitutes - use your favorite brands, or try low-sodium, low-sugar, or spicy ketchup or mustard.
    • The meat mixture is gluten-free and goes great on your favorite brand of gluten-free buns.
    • The low-carb sloppy joe mix is also great in lettuce cups keeping it grain-free & keto-friendly.
    • Add dried minced onion to the mix for added flavor, little carbs, & no prep/cutting.

    Storing & Reheating

    Store the meat separately from any toppings or buns you may use. Place the leftover meat in an air-tight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    To reheat, place the meat in a small pot. Warm on medium-low heat on the stove until it is hot.

    Two photos of homemade ground beef sloppy joe meat made with 3 ingredients.

    FAQ

    What is the difference between Manwich and sloppy joes?

    Both are a term people use interchangeably for sloppy joe meat. Manwich is a commercial brand that is canned and sold in stores. It is a ready-made sauce to add to ground meat to make sloppy joes. Sloppy joes is the general term for the recipe.

    What are other names for a sloppy Joe?

    Sloppy Joes go by other slang or regional terms. They include yum yums, slush burgers, dynamites, steamers, loose-meat sandwiches, spoon burgers, tavern sandwiches, or sloppy Janes.

    How to make a sloppy joe fancy?

    This simple recipe is a great start to making a fancy sloppy joe sandwich. This recipe can be elevated in several ways for a gourmet or fancy twist on a classic American sandwich. Here are some fun ideas:

    Serve it on a fancy roll or bread like brioche, croissant, or baguette. Also, add fancy toppings like a poached or fried egg, drizzle with cheese fondue, or fried onion strings.

    Sloppy joe meat on a bun with cheese plated and ready to eat.

    3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes

    Angela
    This easy homemade sloppy joe sauce is made of only 3 ingredients. Together they make this classic sandwich saucy, sweet, and savory with a bit of tang. There is a lot of flavor with just a few ingredients. It's a gluten-free, dairy-free, & from scratch recipe instead of using canned Manwich.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 12 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 239 kcal

    Equipment

    • sauce pot
    • colander

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 cup ketchup
    • ¼ cup yellow mustard
    • ½ cup water optional - for a saucier sloppy joe
    • salt & pepper optional - to taste
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    Instructions
     

    • In a medium pot, add the ground beef & cover with 1-2 inches of water. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart.
    • Turn the stove to medium-high heat to bring the meat and water to a boil.
    • Once it is boiling, turn it down to low so it will simmer. Let the meat cook until all the pieces are brown, about 3 minutes.
    • Drain the meat in a colander with fine openings. Return the meat to the pot.
    • Add in 1 cup of ketchup and ¼ a cup of yellow mustard. Keep the heat on low and let it heat through for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
    • Taste test the meat. Add optional salt & pepper to taste. I find the ketchup and mustard add enough salt and flavor that it is not needed.
    • Spoon over toasted hamburger buns or rolls to serve. Top with any of the suggested ideas shared above. Enjoy.

    Notes

    STORING & REHEATING:
    • Place leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 3 months.
    • Reheat the meat straight from the fridge (not frozen) in a pot on the stove over medium heat until hot. 
     
    NUTRITIONAL INFO NOTE:  the calories and other facts are for the sloppy joe meat only (no bread or buns etc) and will vary based on the type of meat/fat ration & condiment brands used. This is a guide for estimates only. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 14gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 529mgPotassium: 332mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 213IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword 3-ingredient, dairy-free, easy, high-protein, kid favorite, low carb, quick, simple
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Payton says

      October 24, 2022 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      I will not buy Manwich again. This is cheaper and my boys loved it.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        October 25, 2022 at 7:25 pm

        Well if that isn't a gold star review I don't know what is! Thanks for the comment.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

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