Get ready for an upgrade to your traditional sloppy joes, my friends!
Rachel Ray’s version has this way of balancing the sweetness of the sauce with the hearty beef.
But how???
Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar is one lil’ trick.
Then, chopping the onions and peppers finely, so they blend into the meat.
Of course, cooking everything together slowly gives the sauce time to soak into the beef for sublime richness.
For an extra layer of flavor, try browning the meat just enough to form crispy bits before adding the sauce. Yummers!
Serve it on soft buns or lightly toasted bread, depending on your preference for crunch or softness.
This recipe proves that something as simple as sloppy joes can turn into an all-time favorite when done right!
How to Make Rachael Ray Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 1/4 lb Ground Beef Sirloin
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Steak Seasoning
- 1 Medium Onion (chopped)
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 1 tsp Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce
- 6 Hamburger Buns
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Use a spoon to break up the beef as it cooks.
Step 2:
Stir in chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 3:
Add brown sugar, steak seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
Stir well to combine the flavors.
Step 4:
Reduce heat to low and pour in the tomato sauce.
Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5:
Gently spoon the sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
Cover with the top halves and serve warm!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavors, fresh ingredients are key! Using freshly chopped onions and peppers enhances the taste significantly.
Toast Your Buns
I recommend toasting your buns lightly before adding the meat mixture. It gives a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy!
Adjust the Spice
Feel free to adjust the steak seasoning and Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste. The perfect level of spice can really make a difference.
Try Alternative Proteins
If you’re looking for a twist, try substituting ground turkey for beef. It’s a lighter option that’s equally delicious.
Serve with Sides
Pair these Sloppy Joes with pickles or a simple potato salad. It complements the rich flavors beautifully!
What to Serve with Rachael Ray Sloppy Joes Recipe
Classic Potato Salad
Potato salad is a traditional side that pairs wonderfully with Sloppy Joes.
You can either go cream-based with mayonnaise or vinegar-based for a tangy zing.
Make sure to cool it down before serving for that refreshing contrast.
Corn on the Cob
Roasted or boiled, corn on the cob adds a sweet complement to the savory flavors.
You can sprinkle some chili powder or parmesan cheese for an extra kick.
In my opinion, it’s not fully summer until I’ve tasted this combo!
Apple Cole Slaw
A bit unconventional, apple cole slaw offers a crispy, sweet, and tangy taste.
Chopped apples mixed into classic slaw ingredients take it to another level.
This freshness balances out the richness of the Sloppy Joes beautifully.
Sweet Potato Fries
If you’re up for something slightly different, sweet potato fries are a tasty option.
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they add an appealing texture.
You can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon and cayenne for an exciting flavor twist.
Cucumber and Feta Salad
Another refreshing option is a simple cucumber and feta salad.
It brings a pleasant crunch and the briny cheese offers a creamy balance.
You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for an added zesty touch!
Variations and Substitutions
Alternate Proteins
If you’re looking to switch things up, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for your Sloppy Joes!
Pork works great too, bringing a different flavor to the table.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian twist, you can use lentils or crumbled tofu in place of meat.
These alternatives soak up the sauce well and deliver a satisfying texture.
Spice It Up
Consider adding some heat with crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
If you love a Korean-inspired flavor, toss in some gochujang for a spicy kick.
Vegan-Friendly Adjustments
Swap out the meat for tempeh or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Ensure your buns and any toppings are also vegan-friendly brands to keep everything plant-based.
Flavor Enhancements
Including Worcestershire sauce or a dash of soy sauce can deepen the umami profile of your Sloppy Joes.
Experiment with these tweaks to create a version that suits your taste perfectly!
How to Store Leftover Rachael Ray Sloppy Joes Recipe
Refrigerate the Mix
When you’ve cooked too much, storing in the fridge is the go-to method.
Make sure to transfer the leftover sloppy joe mixture into an airtight container.
You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days without worrying about freshness.
Freeze for Later
If you’re not eating those leftovers soon, freezing is an awesome choice.
Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Stored properly, it can be frozen for up to four months while retaining its flavor.
Portion Wisely
Dividing your leftovers into portion-sized containers makes future meals easy.
This not only provides a quick grab-and-reheat solution but also helps in maintaining portion control.
Portioning is a smart way to plan for lunches or dinners on busy days!
Enjoy storing your tasty creation!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Sugar
You might be tempted to add extra sweetness, but too much sugar can overwhelm the flavors.
Balance with savory elements like garlic or smoked paprika for depth.
I always tweak seasonings slowly to avoid a sugary overload.
Overloading with Seasonings
It’s easy to be heavy-handed with your spices, but moderation is key.
You don’t want to overshadow the beef or the tomatoes.
Instead, try adjusting quietly, pausing to taste often as you add each ingredient.
Ignoring Texture
Skipping step-by-step cooking can leave your sloppy joes runny or too dry.
Monitor cooking time carefully and adjust to maintain that wonderful, sloppy consistency.
I find stirring frequently helps achieve the right texture!

Rachael Ray Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 1/4 lb Ground Beef Sirloin
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Steak Seasoning
- 1 Medium Onion chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce
- 6 Hamburger Buns
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Use a spoon to break up the beef as it cooks.
- Stir in chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
- Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add brown sugar, steak seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the tomato sauce.
- Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Gently spoon the sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
- Cover with the top halves and serve warm!