Saving Room for Dessert

Delicious easy-to-follow recipes for food lovers!

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Breakfast
    • Candy
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes & Cakes
    • Desserts
    • Frozen Treats
    • Main Course
    • Other Yummy Stuff
    • Pies
    • Pizza
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Smoothies
    • Soups, Stews & Chili
    • Veges & Side Dishes
  • Travel
  • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Contact
Home
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Breakfast
    • Candy
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes & Cakes
    • Desserts
    • Frozen Treats
    • Main Course
    • Other Yummy Stuff
    • Pies
    • Pizza
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Smoothies
    • Soups, Stews & Chili
    • Veges & Side Dishes
  • Travel
  • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Sloppy Joes with Spicy Crispy Onions

  Jump to Recipe |    31 Comments

2.3K shares
  • Share
  • Yum
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Homemade Sloppy Joes with onions and peppers

An open faced sandwich topped with crispy onions, red peppers and ground beef

Homemade Sloppy Joes with red peppers, ground beef and onions cooked in a rich tomato sauce served on a toasty bun.

This is one of those forever recipes you’re going to love, and it’s not just for kids! Sloppy Joes are an American creation dating back to the 1940’s. I remember enjoying them as a child when my mom used seasoning packages from McCormick. Just add water and ground beef and dinner was ready.

Sloppy Joes are not just for kids. Even though we’re empty-nesters now we still love a good Sloppy Joe from time to time, especially while camping in the fall. While this recipe may not be as easy as opening a seasoning packet and adding water, it’s close!

This Sloppy Joe recipe is easily doubled to feed a crowd. You can also make this ahead or freeze the filling to have on hand when needed.

Frozen Sloppy Joe meat is perfect for camping too. Just put a container of frozen Sloppy Joes in the cooler and it should be thawed in time to warm up for dinner. One pot for quick and easy cleanup too  – woohoo!

A platter of crispy fried onions

Homemade Sloppy Joes are an easy, flavorful and hearty sandwich the whole family will crave, with or without the spicy, crispy onions!

Let’s talk about spicy crispy onions for a minute. Made with thin sliced sweet onions, buttermilk and a well spiced flour mixture, these simple onions are great served in many ways. Eat them as a snack, as a terrific topping for Sloppy Joes and hamburgers, or in place of croutons on a salad.

These homemade crispy onions are excellent as a topping for your holiday green bean casserole; so delicious. Frying is my least favorite way to cook and I avoid it whenever possible, but in this case, it’s so worth the effort!

 

Make a big batch and rewarm leftovers in a warm 300F oven for a crispy tasty treat.

What to serve with Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are like burgers, they go great with all kinds of finger foods. We especially love these sandwiches served with chips or fries. They’re also perfect served with a scoop of Creamy Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad or our Creamy Coleslaw, too.

A nice crisp green salad is always a terrific side as well as our Chopped Grilled Vegetables. Just about anything goes well with a big fat juicy Sloppy Joe!

 

a Sloppy Joe sandwich piled high with juicy meat, red bell pepper and topped with crispy fried onions

Ingredients needed to make homemade Sloppy Joes:

  • vegetable oil for searing the beef
  • ground beef – use a lean ground beef with 90 to 95% fat
  • onion – a large sweet onion
  • red bell pepper – or green bell pepper if desired
  • light brown sugar- just a bit to add a hint of sweetness
  • low-sodium seasoning blend like Montreal Steak – or your favorite seasoning like Mrs. Dash
  • ground cayenne pepper – optional, but highly recommended
  • garlic powder
  • red wine vinegar – for a nice tangy bite
  • Worcestershire sauce – always perfect in beef dishes!
  • tomato sauce – canned low sodium is best
  • tomato paste –  salt free or low sodium works well
  • toasted buns for serving – we prefer sesame seed buns for Sloppy Joes
  • top with homemade or store bought crispy onions, if desired

 

How to make Sloppy Joes:

First, sauté the ground beef in a little oil over medium high heat until no longer pink. Use lean ground beef to eliminate the need to drain the beef once browned.

Now add the diced sweet onion, red bell peppers, tomato sauce, tomato paste, spices, brown sugar and vinegar.

Next, simmer until the sauce is thick and the beef is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. While the beef is simmering, prepare the buns.

Lightly butter both cut sides of the buns and place face up on a baking sheet. Cook under a preheated broiler until golden brown and well toasted.

Serve immediately topped with crispy onions.

Easy, quick and so delicious!

 

This recipe takes a little more effort than the package mix – but not by much.

There’s a big difference between homemade Sloppy Joes and those made with the salty package mix. No doubt you’ll be able to see, smell and taste the difference once it’s simmering on the stove.

This memorable homemade sauce has a sweet and sour tanginess that’s great served with our spicy crispy onions. The flavor is well balanced and not overly sweet like those sandwiches you may remember from school lunches.

Change it up with a slice of cheese and maybe some pickles too. Bet you’re going to love this recipe!

 

A Sloppy Joe sandwich with onions, red peppers and ground beef topped with crispy onions and a sesame seed bun

Sloppy Joes make great camping food!

We recently returned from a trip to the Shenandoah Mountains in Virginia where we camped and hiked, and cooked and ate, and cooked and ate some more, read books and napped.  We have a pop-up camper and two crazy dogs and look forward to unplugging from time to time.

On this trip I made several one-pot meals including our favorite Brunswick Stew and Campfire Breakfast  and this wonderful Sloppy Joe recipe too.

Even if you don’t like to go camping, Sloppy Joes are great for picnics, football games, pool parties or casual entertaining.

 

Thanks for PINNING!

A close up of a sloppy joe sandwich topped with crispy onions on a toasted sesame seed bun

Let’s be cooking friends! If you make our recipe please feel free to leave a comment on this post. I’m sure your experience and insights will help all our readers, and it helps me too. If you’re on Pinterest feel free to leave a comment and photo there if you have one!

If you share on INSTAGRAM tag @savingroomfordessert so we can stop by and give your post some love. FOLLOW Saving Room for Dessert on FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM| PINTEREST | TWITTER  and subscribe to our YOUTUBE channel for all the latest recipes, videos and updates.

Rate our recipe!

Sloppy Joes with Spicy Crispy Onions

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Yield: 6 hearty sandwiches
Course: Main
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
Red peppers, ground beef and onions cooked in a rich tomato sauce served on a toasty bun. Terrific served with a big pile of spicy crispy onions too!

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joes:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef 90-95% fat
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped, seeds and ribs removed
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons Montreal Steak Seasoning low-sodium from McCormick
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 5 tablespoons tomato paste (3 ounces)
  • 6 toasted buns or rolls for serving

For the spicy, crispy onions:

  • 1 large sweet onion like Vidalia, halved and thin sliced
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

To make the Sloppy Joes:

  • Heat a large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat. 
  • Add the ground beef. Cook stirring frequently to break up the meat. Once there's no more pink beef visible, add the onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp tender. Add the brown sugar, seasoning, cayenne, garlic powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce and tomato paste. 
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. Keep warm while preparing the crispy onions if using.

To make the crispy onions:

  • Place the onions in a medium mixing bowl and pour the buttermilk over the sliced onions. In a shallow bowl combine the flour, cayenne, salt and pepper. Line a baking sheet or large platter with paper towels. Set all aside.
  • Add vegetable oil to a large deep saucepan set over medium-high heat. Heat the oil until it reaches 375°F. Grab a handful of the onions and drain slightly before scattering in the bowl of flour. Toss to coat with the flour, shake off excess and carefully place in the hot oil. °
  • Cook, stirring gently to break up the onions until browned and crispy, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to the paper towel lined platter. Continue cooking until all onions are fried.
  • To serve, spoon Sloppy Joe mixture over toasted buns and top with a handful of crispy onions. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

  • The prepared Sloppy Joe mixture can be frozen for up to 30-days. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook over medium heat until bubbly.
  • Cooked crispy onions can be reheated on a baking sheet at 300F for about 15 minutes.
  • Leftover tomato paste can be flash frozen in 1 tablespoon mounds on a parchment lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and freeze until needed.
  • Sloppy Joe mixture adapted from Rachel Ray
  • Crispy Onions inspired by Half Baked Harvest

Here are a few more of our favorite sandwiches you might enjoy:

Two meatball sub sandwiches on a platter topped with melted cheese

Easy, cheesy and delicious, homemade Meatball Sub Sandwiches are sure to satisfy and so much better than you can get in a fast-food restaurant!

 

A sandwich on seeded bread with cucumbers, tomato and red onion with hummus

Greek Salad Sandwich – This might look like a plain old veggie sandwich, but it’s so much more! The Greek flavors are bright, briny, fresh and delicious and the sandwich is easy to put together.

Parmesan sliders on a platter brushed with garlic butter and herbs

These easy Chicken Parmesan Sliders are the drool-worthy party food that everyone will fight over. Make sure you get to the table quickly because these will disappear in a flash.

Originally posted September 2014, updated September 2018

Before you leave

Join my free email list and get a FREE e-cookbook!
Never miss a recipe - sign up today!

You may also like these

Hallelujah Ham Loaves (ham and cheese sliders)Turkey Waldorf WrapsMediterranean Sandwich on Tomato Basil FocacciaGreek Salad Hummus SandwichGrilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich

Delicious Dinner Inspiration!

from quick & easy to company worthy

Previous Post: Mini Black Bottoms Cupcakes
Next Post: Chicken Fricassee with Apples

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

31 Comments

  1. Susan says

    September 15, 2018 at 10:37 am

    When we get our next nip of fall in the air I would love to make these! Those crispy onions make them so appealing, Tricia!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      September 16, 2018 at 7:23 am

      Thanks Susan – the little crunch is a nice addition to these well flavored Sloppy Joes 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  2. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    September 12, 2018 at 10:48 am

    Cayenne wouldn’t be optional in MY Sloppy Joes! Such a classic dish, and so good. Never had crispy onions with them, though (and again, the cayenne would NOT be optional!) Great idea. Thanks!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      September 12, 2018 at 6:39 pm

      Haha – I agree John – thanks so much!

      reply to this comment >
  3. [email protected] is How I Cook says

    September 11, 2018 at 4:48 pm

    I make sloppy joe at least once a month. However I have never tried these with crispy fried onions. No doubt with those I would be making sloppy joe every day!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      September 11, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      Oh try it with the crispy onions Abbe – you’re going to love the crunch 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  4. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    September 11, 2018 at 8:13 am

    Love a sloppy joe! This looks so inviting with those crispy onions, too 🙂 Putting this one on the menu!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      September 11, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      Thanks Jennifer. Such a great fall sandwich.

      reply to this comment >
  5. angiesrecipes says

    September 10, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    My husband’s favourite meal! Love those crisp onions a lot 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      September 10, 2018 at 3:41 pm

      Thanks Angie – my husband loves them too!

      reply to this comment >
  6. sue | the view from great island says

    September 10, 2018 at 11:50 am

    This is my DREAM meal! Those onions are to die for! Pinning and sharing and then running to the grocery store…

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      September 10, 2018 at 3:40 pm

      Those onions really add so much to everything. These sandwiches are great too – thank you Sue!

      reply to this comment >
  7. Chris Scheuer says

    September 10, 2018 at 8:37 am

    Oh my goodness, I haven’t have sloppy joes in years (too many to say and not scare myself) but you have made me want to pull out the pot and make a big batch! And those onions… yum!!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      September 10, 2018 at 10:01 am

      I bet your grandkids would love these. Such a classic!

      reply to this comment >
  8. Larry says

    September 10, 2018 at 7:51 am

    Both recipes look delicious and I can imagine how good they are together.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      September 10, 2018 at 10:00 am

      Thanks Larry – they are wonderful as a team!

      reply to this comment >
  9. 2 Sisters Recipes... by Anna and Liz says

    September 17, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    TRicia !! Welcome back! WE MISSED YOU… and We love sloppy Joes! And we LOVE your new site! Your sister-in-law did a wonderful job! The photo of you is gorgeous too!! What a fun weekend camping, we’re so glad you shared the photos with us! Have a great week! xxoo Anna and Liz

    reply to this comment >
  10. Kitchen Belleicious says

    September 16, 2014 at 5:41 pm

    love the new look! Its perfect and who doesn’t love sloppy joes. they are easy and so flavorful

    reply to this comment >
  11. Kitchen Belleicious says

    September 16, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    i love sloppy joes! They are easy to make and pleases everyone in the family. I am also loving your new look! It looks perfect!

    reply to this comment >
  12. Maris (In Good Taste) says

    September 3, 2014 at 7:36 am

    I officially want to go on your vacations! Looks like a lovely and relaxing place. Now, I'm off to see if I have any of the ingredients for sloppy joes 😉

    reply to this comment >
  13. Cheri Savory Spoon says

    September 3, 2014 at 4:09 am

    Hi Tricia, looks like a beautiful place, what a beautiful doe, love these sloppy joes!

    reply to this comment >
  14. [email protected] is How I Cook says

    September 3, 2014 at 4:01 am

    What a great weekend! Sounds like the perfect getaway. And I love sloppy joes. there are so many versions of them. i call mine sloppy joses because I add green chilies. Alex has done part of the Appalachian Trail and I think it would be much easier than worrying about the altitude out here!

    reply to this comment >
  15. Pam says

    September 3, 2014 at 1:15 am

    How fun! I know that area is beautiful and it's a great place to visit. The sloppy joes look great, perfect for your fun time!

    reply to this comment >
  16. Chris Scheuer says

    September 2, 2014 at 11:48 pm

    Beautiful, beautiful pictures Tricia! I feel like I was there with those flirting deer! I know those sloppy joe's tasted just amazing out in that fresh air, probably better than the most gourmet meal!

    reply to this comment >
  17. Karen Harris says

    September 2, 2014 at 11:43 pm

    What a nice way to spend a holiday weekend. Your sloppy joe's look delicious. This is one of my family's favorites. I'll have to try your recipe. I'm ashamed to admit that our sauce usually comes from a can.

    reply to this comment >
  18. TLady says

    September 2, 2014 at 10:45 pm

    YUM! YUM! The sloppy joe's look wonderful! 😛 I LOOOOVE your pictures Tricia! We live in the Cumberland Mountains & I NEVER get tired of their beauty! We have bear, & even wild mountain lions & panthers! Right in our backyard, literally! So, I know what you mean about the wild animals! Our deer come right up to the house too. I LOVE to see them! Thank you so much for sharing your

    reply to this comment >
  19. Big Dude says

    September 2, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    Nice pictures of the mountains Tricia and I think the sloppy joes are the perfect camping meal – I'll really like them and usually tackle with a fork as well. Bev loves hamburgers and hot dog chili and regular chili but she does not care for sloppy joes which I do not understand and we don't have them often.

    reply to this comment >
  20. Kitchen Belleicious says

    September 2, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    love me some sloppy joes. really i love them and the pictures of the Appalachian Trail are gorgeous. How much fun to be able to go hiking on that

    reply to this comment >
  21. Angie Schneider says

    September 2, 2014 at 4:09 am

    Gorgeous nature shots, Tricia. Your sloppy joe looks mouthwatering.

    reply to this comment >
  22. From the Kitchen says

    September 2, 2014 at 2:05 am

    I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia (and on sloppy joe's). Thanks for the memories!!<br /><br />Best,<br />Bonnie

    reply to this comment >
  23. Sue/the view from great island says

    September 2, 2014 at 12:05 am

    It sounds like paradise Tricia!

    reply to this comment >

NEVER MISS A RECIPE

Join my free email list and receive a free e-cookbook!

All Content Copyright Saving Room For Dessert © 2022 • Privacy Policy • Site Design by Emily White Designs

2.3K shares
  • Pin
  • Share
  • Yum
  • Email
2.3K shares