Sloppy Joe Recipe With Tomato Sauce

I think a truly great sloppy joe should deliver a deep, savory flavor without a lot of fuss. This sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce achieves exactly that, replacing the typical ketchup base with rich crushed tomatoes and a subtle smokiness that makes it perfect for a weeknight family dinner. It’s quick enough for those evenings when everyone needs something hearty and satisfying in under 30 minutes, and it uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. This outline shares all the details for making this easy, hearty sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce. Get ready for a new family favorite.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml)
  Use a standard extra virgin olive oil to start the base. Avoid using strongly flavored oils here so the beef and spices can shine.
• Ground Beef: 1.1 lbs (500g)
  For the best flavor and texture in this hearty sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce, use 80/20 lean ground beef. Pat the beef dry before browning to get a nice crust; a high-quality, fresh grind works best. If you need to make this vegetarian, use Impossible Burger or a similar plant-based ground substitute.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium (150g), finely diced
  Finely dicing ensures the onion integrates smoothly into the sauce without large chunks. Cooking the onion until translucent forms the aromatic base of the sloppy joe sauce.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor for this sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce. Avoid using powdered garlic here; the fresh cloves are essential for depth.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp (30g)
  Use concentrated tomato paste to build a deep umami flavor base. Cook it for a couple of minutes to caramelize it slightly before adding other liquids.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 14.5 oz can (400g)
  Canned crushed tomatoes create the rich, saucy texture of this recipe. Ensure you use crushed tomatoes, not diced or whole, for the correct consistency.
• Chipotle in Adobo Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml)
  Use only the sauce from the can, avoiding the actual chili pieces unless you prefer more heat. This adds a crucial smoky, spicy note that defines this specific sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce.
• Light Brown Sugar: 1.5 tbsp (20g), packed
  The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar. It provides a subtle sweetness that’s characteristic of classic sloppy joe recipes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml)
  The vinegar cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. It brightens the overall flavor profile, adding necessary acidity.
• Mustard Powder: 1 tsp (5g)
  Mustard powder adds a subtle tangy bite and helps emulsify the sauce. Do not substitute with liquid mustard; the powder adds flavor without extra liquid.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp (5g)
  This enhances the smokiness from the Gouda and chipotle. Smoked paprika is essential for the depth in this particular version.
• Water or Vegetable Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml)
  Use water to thin the sauce to the correct consistency during simmering. Broth will add slightly more depth of flavor, but water works fine.
• Kosher Salt: 1 tsp (5g), or to taste
  Salt brings out the flavor of all the ingredients; adjust to your preference.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp (2g), or to taste
• Smoked Gouda Cheese: 5.3 oz (150g), shredded
  Shredded cheese melts quickly and creates gooey pockets throughout the mixture. The smoked flavor is a key element of this particular sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce.
• Brioche Buns: 4-6 buns, split
  Brioche buns offer a soft, rich base that stands up well to the saucy filling. Lightly toasting them prevents the buns from becoming soggy too quickly.
• Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup (15g), chopped, for garnish
  The fresh cilantro adds a bright, contrasting color and flavor. It cuts through the richness of the cheesy beef.

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until deeply browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate; this prevents the final sloppy joes from being greasy. The beef forms the foundation for this delicious sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce.

2. Sauté Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced yellow onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened slightly. This step caramelizes the paste, building a deeper flavor base for this sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce.

3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chipotle in adobo sauce, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, smoked paprika, water or vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the spices and sugar dissolve into the liquid before adding the beef back in.

4. Simmer the Sloppy Joe Mixture: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet; stir to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmer time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken into the perfect sloppy joe consistency. I always simmer for at least 20 minutes; I find that extra time really lets the smoky chipotle flavor integrate perfectly into the ground beef. If the sauce reduces too much during simmering and looks dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to reach desired consistency.

5. Melt the Cheese and Prepare Buns: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded smoked Gouda cheese until it is fully melted and creates gooey, stringy pockets throughout the sloppy joe mixture. While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, lightly toast the split brioche buns in a dry skillet, under a broiler, or in a toaster until golden-brown and slightly crispy. The brioche provides a rich and sturdy base for this cheesy, messy filling.

6. Assemble and Garnish: To serve, spoon a generous amount of the hot, cheesy sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Place the top half of the bun over the filling. Garnish liberally with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro over the top of the sloppy joe and around the plate for a pop of contrasting color and fresh aroma.

Tips for Adjusting Heat and Serving Kids

The chipotle in adobo sauce provides a smoky kick, which may be too much for sensitive palates, particularly young children. If you want to make this easy dinner idea mild, reduce the amount of chipotle sauce to just 1 teaspoon, or omit it entirely if necessary. For added smoky flavor without the heat, try adding a little extra smoked paprika to this hearty sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce.

If serving children with a wide range of spice preferences, consider serving the chipotle sauce on the side for adults to add individually. You can also top kids’ sloppy joes with mild cheddar instead of smoked Gouda for a familiar taste. I often make a separate small batch of the beef mixture for my son without the chipotle, so he can enjoy this family-friendly meal too.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Make-Ahead: The sloppy joe meat mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance for quick meals. Store the finished mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may want to wait to stir in the Gouda cheese until just before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: The cooked sloppy joe mixture freezes very well, especially before the cheese is added. Let the mixture cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating; stir in cheese as it warms.

What to Serve with Smoky Gouda Sloppy Joes

This savory sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce pairs well with both classic comfort sides and fresh, healthy options. A complete meal includes something crunchy to balance the richness of the Gouda and beef.

• Classic Side Dishes: Crispy French fries or tater tots are the perfect pairing. Serve with a side of ketchup for dipping.
• Fresh Sides: A bright, creamy coleslaw cuts through the richness. A simple green salad or a fruit salad also offers a refreshing contrast.
• Veggie Additions: Try serving with roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a high-protein, complete family dinner.

FAQs

Can I make this sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily adapt this sloppy joe recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first in a skillet. Transfer the beef mixture and all sauce ingredients (except the cheese and buns) to the slow cooker and simmer on low for 2-3 hours. Stir in the cheese at the very end.

Why do you add both brown sugar and vinegar?

The combination of brown sugar and vinegar is key to balancing the deep flavors of this particular sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce. The sugar provides sweetness to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes, while the vinegar brightens the overall profile and cuts through the richness of the Gouda cheese.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for this sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce?

Yes, ground turkey works as a healthier substitute for this high-protein meal. Use 93/7 ground turkey for the best results. You may need to add slightly more olive oil when browning, as ground turkey is leaner than the recommended ground beef.

What kind of bun works best for sloppy joes?

We recommend brioche buns for their soft texture and subtle sweetness. They also hold up well against the saucy filling. You could also use a classic hamburger bun or a potato roll for a different texture.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Make sure to toast the buns lightly before assembling the sandwich. Toasting creates a barrier that helps keep the bread from absorbing excess moisture from the sloppy joe filling too quickly. I always toast mine in a dry skillet for a minute or two before serving, as this really makes a difference.

Conclusion

This smoky and cheesy sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce transforms a simple weeknight meal into something truly special. The combination of chipotle and Gouda provides a delicious depth of flavor that both kids and adults will crave for an easy dinner idea. Make a big batch this week for meal prep, or share this recipe with friends for a fun and easy family dinner. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it again and again.

sloppy joe recipe with tomato sauce

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• Author: Rachel Morgan
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This sloppy joe recipe delivers a deep, savory flavor by replacing the typical ketchup base with rich crushed tomatoes and subtle smokiness, perfect for a hearty weeknight family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.1 lbs ground beef, 80/20 lean
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (sauce only)
• 1.5 tbsp packed light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 cup water or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 5.3 oz smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 4–6 brioche buns, split
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart, until deeply browned. Drain excess fat and transfer beef to a plate.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until fragrant and the paste has darkened slightly.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, chipotle in adobo sauce, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, smoked paprika, water or broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking to dissolve spices and sugar.
4. Simmer Sloppy Joe Mixture: Return browned ground beef to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
5. Melt Cheese and Prepare Buns: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded smoked Gouda cheese until fully melted. While the mixture simmers, lightly toast the brioche buns in a skillet, under a broiler, or in a toaster.
6. Assemble and Garnish: Spoon a generous amount of hot sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun and garnish liberally with fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

To achieve a deeper flavor, ensure the ground beef is browned well before adding aromatics. Simmer the mixture for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to fully develop. Toasting the brioche buns helps prevent sogginess from the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 750 calories
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 49 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg