Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning

Name: Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 28 ounce tomato puree (✅ ); 1/4 cup tomato paste (✅ ); 3 tablespoons white vinegar; 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (✅ ); 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons brown mustard; 2 tablespoons molasses (✅ ); 1 teaspoon salt

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Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix is simple to make from scratch without ketchup. Learn how to make sloppy joe seasoning without a can. It makes enough to blend with 3-4 lbs. of ground meat so you can either make an extra-large batch of sloppy joes, or freeze the extra mix in individual containers to grab on a busy night. Gluten-free.

Sloppy Joes are definitely a go-to meal on a busy night. In just 3 steps and 5 minutes, you can make a homemade Sloppy Joe mix. This makes a large batch that can be frozen in individual containers or freezer bags. Then, all you have to do is grab one when needed. The perfect solution when you are crunched for time!

cooked sloppy Joe meat in a skillet with the mix stirred into the meat.

Ingredients

28 ounces tomato puree
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 tablespoons vinegar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons brown mustard
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon salt

HOW TO MAKE:

Over the years, we’ve made many versions of sloppy Joes from Sloppy Joe Casserole to Turkey Sloppy Joes. The homemade sauce is the key.

Want to keep it simple? Brown meat (ground turkey, beef, chicken, pork) in a deep skillet then drain the fat. Add 1 cup sauce for every 1lb of meat. Bring to a boil then simmer (10-15 minutes). Stir occasionally until you are ready to serve.

TIP: This recipe makes enough for 3-4 lbs of meat.

tomato sauce in a glass mixing bowl with browned meat in a skillet off to the side all on top of a granite countertop.

Gather all the ingredients. Add to a mixing bowl & stir until combined.

Substitution Ideas

This recipe is very similar to the flavors of Manwich. You can add the following spices to this recipe, or simply to a can of the traditional mix.

TANGY SLOPPY JOE – Add 1 TBSP of smoked paprika
SPICY SLOPPY JOE – Add 1 tsp of dried ground mustard
SWEET SLOPPY JOE – Add an extra 1 TBSP of brown sugar

What To Serve With Sloppy Joes

sauce, browned meat in a skillet and a bun on a plate all on top of a granite countertop.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Customize the Flavor: Experiment with the flavors in your Sloppy Joe mix. You can add a touch of spice with a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili powder for a kick. For a smokier flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke.

Vegetable Addition: For added nutrition and texture, consider adding finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the ground beef while cooking. Sauté them before adding the Sloppy Joe mix for extra flavor and nutrients.

Sweetness Balance: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by altering the amount of brown sugar or molasses in the mix. Taste the mix as you go and add more sweetener if desired.

Make Ahead and Freeze: Make a larger batch of the Sloppy Joe mix and freeze it in smaller portions for quick and convenient meals in the future. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days.

Burger Variation: The Sloppy Joe mix doesn’t only have to be used for sandwiches. It can also serve as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes, as a filling for tacos or burritos, or even as a topping for nachos.

Storage and Reheating: When storing the Sloppy Joe mix in the freezer, ensure it’s in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the containers for easy identification. When reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Toppings and Sides: Serve Sloppy Joes with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sliced pickles, or a dollop of coleslaw. Pair it with sides such as fries, potato chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Low-Sodium Option: If you’re looking to reduce sodium intake, consider using low-sodium or no-salt-added tomato products and Worcestershire sauce to control the overall salt content.

Sloppy Joe Mix showing sauce in a glass container, browned meat in a skillet and a toasted bun all on top of a granite countertop.

FAQ

Can I adjust the sweetness of the Sloppy Joe mix?

Yes, the sweetness can be adjusted by altering the amount of brown sugar or molasses in the mix. Taste as you go and gradually add more sweetener to achieve the desired taste.

Are there lower-sodium alternatives for the Sloppy Joe mix?

To lower the sodium content, opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added tomato products and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust salt levels accordingly and consider adding herbs and spices to enhance flavor without extra salt.

How can I adjust the consistency of the Sloppy Joe mix?

If the mix is too thick, add a little water, broth, or tomato juice to thin it out. To thicken a runny mixture, let it simmer uncovered for longer, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.

Can the Sloppy Joe mix be used in other recipes besides sandwiches?

Definitely! The Sloppy Joe mix is versatile and can be used as a base for various recipes, including pasta sauces, pizza toppings, stuffed vegetables, or as a filling for tacos and burritos.

More seasoning recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning

Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix is simple to make from scratch without ketchup. Learn how to make sloppy joe seasoning without a can. It makes enough to blend with 3-4 lbs. of ground meat so you can either make an extra-large batch of sloppy joes, or freeze the extra mix in individual containers to grab on a busy night. Gluten-free.

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Servings 12

Ingredients

28 ounce tomato puree ✅
1/4 cup tomato paste ✅
3 tablespoons white vinegar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ✅
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons brown mustard
2 tablespoons molasses ✅
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Combine the ingredients. Blend all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.
28 ounce tomato puree, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 3 tablespoons white vinegar, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 teaspoon salt
How to prepare sloppy joes. Use 1 cup of sloppy joe mix for 1 pound of ground beef.
Store. Store leftovers in freezer ziplock bags or a container with lid. Label and freeze.

Video

Notes

CCK Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.