Sloppy Joes are a comfort food staple, but when you add a smoky barbecue spin to them, they become an absolute flavor bomb. These BBQ Sloppy Joes are rich, tangy, and slightly sweet, with just the right amount of kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a backyard cookout, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist.
BBQ Sloppy Joes
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for flavor, or leaner if preferred
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder optional for a bit of heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 brioche or hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp butter for toasting buns
Cook the Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Simmer
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Toast the Buns
While the mixture simmers, melt butter in a clean pan or skillet. Toast the buns until golden brown for extra flavor and texture.
Assemble and Serve
Spoon the BBQ sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.
Pairings
BBQ Sloppy Joes are best served with classic sides like:
- Crispy French fries or tater tots
- Coleslaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast
- Pickles for a tangy bite
- Sweet corn on the cob to complement the smoky BBQ flavor
FAQs
1. What type of beef should I use?
An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) works best for juicy, flavorful sloppy joes. If you prefer leaner meat, a 90/10 blend works, but you may need to add a bit of oil for moisture.
2. Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes. If using lean meats, add a bit of olive oil to keep the mixture from drying out.
3. What’s the best barbecue sauce for this recipe?
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce works best. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubb’s, or a homemade sauce with molasses or honey add great depth of flavor.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave.
