Homemade Sloppy Joes
Nothing beats Homemade Sloppy Joes for family dinner. But if you plan for leftovers, you can turn this classic dinner into an easy lunch.
Just switch out a bun for a pita pocket and you have a finger-friendly meal.
While the origins of the Sloppy Joe are somewhat unclear, this dish has been a staple in school cafeterias, diners and family kitchens for generations.
Be sure to check out our best beef recipes, too!
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Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of this childhood favorite or you’re new to the Sloppy Joe scene, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
A special thanks to Toufayan for this delicious recipe! Discover more family meal solutions at Toufayan.com.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Servings: 4
Ingredients for homemade sloppy joes:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 cup water
- 4 Toufayan Smart Pockets, any variety

Directions for homemade sloppy joes:
Step 1: In large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, celery, onion, carrot, garlic, salt and pepper, breaking up beef until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
Step 2: Add tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard and water; mix well.
Step 3: Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cook 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
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Step 4: Remove from heat; taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.

Step 5: Divide evenly among pita bread pockets and serve.
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Homemade Sloppy Joes
Nothing beats homemade sloppy joes for family dinner. But if you plan for leftovers, you can turn this classic dinner into an easy lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 cup water
- 4 Toufayan Smart Pockets, any variety
Instructions
- In large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, celery, onion, carrot, garlic, salt and pepper, breaking up beef until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard and water; mix well.
- Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cook 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Remove from heat; taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
- Divide evenly among pita bread pockets and serve.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 358Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 405mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 32g
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