I set out to collect ground beef recipes that aren’t burgers or meatballs, and of course I had to include these Super Quick Sloppy Joes. They’re a classic comfort-food sandwich made from simple pantry staples and are easy to prepare from scratch — no canned mystery sauces required.
Super-Quick Sloppy Joes
There’s nothing wrong with convenience foods, but many prepared sandwich sauces contain corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup as primary ingredients. If you prefer a cleaner sauce with recognizable ingredients, this simple homemade version comes together in minutes and tastes much better.
The “super-quick” label is accurate: this recipe moves fast, and it takes almost the same time as opening a can and stirring in a packet. It’s an ideal weeknight meal when you want something hearty, saucy, and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
If you need gluten-free burger bun options
- Easiest: Store-bought gluten-free buns like Canyon Bakehouse or Trader Joe’s are reliable — they crisp up nicely when toasted in a buttered skillet.
- Easy: A premade everything-dough mix from a specialty bakery or brand will save time and still give you a homemade feel.
- From scratch: If you bake your own, the burger buns from the Everything Dough ebook are excellent and yield soft, sturdy buns that hold up to saucy fillings.
Homemade burger bun from the Everything Dough ebook
This recipe pairs well with simple sides like roasted sweet potatoes, a crisp green salad, or pickled cucumbers. If you want other ground beef ideas that aren’t burgers, try dishes that layer flavor differently: curried beef with apricots and almonds, Korean-style beef lettuce cups, or a classic picadillo.
The method is straightforward: brown the beef, stir in spices and tomato paste, add a touch of sweetness and Worcestershire, then simmer briefly until the sauce thickens. It’s quick to prepare and great for feeding a family or for making ahead and reheating.
Super Quick Sloppy Joes
5 from 1 review
Almost as fast as using that prepackaged sauce, but with cleaner ingredients and better flavor.
- Author: Simone Miller
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon oil, lard, or tallow
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 small can or jar tomato paste (6–7 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins is gluten-free though it contains a little sugar)
- 2 cups water
- Tabasco or hot sauce to taste (optional)
- Buns for serving — your favorite gluten-free buns or burger buns from the Everything Dough ebook
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir the paprika, mustard powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and sea salt into the meat. Add the tomato paste and mix well so it coats the meat.
- Pour in the maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir to combine and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened to a saucy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning — add a few dashes of Tabasco or another hot sauce if you like heat.
- Serve the sloppy joe mixture spooned onto toasted buns. Top with sliced pickles, shredded cabbage, or a little extra mustard if desired.
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