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The Absolute Best Southern Sloppy Joes

If you're craving an old-fashioned comfort food classic, these Southern Sloppy Joes are sure to become a family favorite. Made with turkey breakfast sausage, ground turkey or beef, crispy bacon, sweet peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a rich homemade sauce, every bite is packed with bold flavor. Served on buttery toasted buns with melted cheese, this easy stovetop recipe is messy in all the best ways and perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or family gatherings.

Cook Time

Servings

Difficulty

30 minutes

8

Easy

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Ingredients

☐ 1 pound turkey breakfast sausage

☐ 1 pound ground turkey or ground beef

☐ 1 cup beef broth

☐ 1 medium red bell pepper, diced

☐ 1 medium green bell pepper, diced

☐ 1 medium onion, diced

☐ 4 tablespoons bacon, finely minced

☐ 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

☐ 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste, divided

☐ 1 teaspoon black pepper

☐ 1 teaspoon garlic salt

☐ ⅔ cup ketchup

☐ 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Ingredients

  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the turkey breakfast sausage and ground turkey or ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.

  2. Stir in the beef broth and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb some of the broth.

  3. Add the minced bacon, diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the bacon is fully cooked.

  4. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, 1 can of tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic salt, black pepper, and jalapeños. Mix until everything is well combined.

  5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. Stir in the remaining can of tomato paste until smooth. Taste and season with salt if needed. If the mixture becomes thicker than you like, stir in a splash of beef broth.

  7. Lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.

  8. Place one slice of cheese on each bottom bun. Spoon a generous amount of sloppy joe mixture over the cheese, then top with another sprinkle of shredded cheese if desired. Add the top bun and serve immediately.

RECIPE TIPS

  • Toasting the buns keeps them from getting soggy.

  • Ground beef gives a richer flavor, while ground turkey makes a lighter version.

  • Let the mixture simmer a little longer if you prefer a thicker sloppy joe.

  • These taste even better the next day after the flavors have blended.

  • Pepper Jack cheese adds a delicious little kick.

🥶 STORAGE
 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

  • Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot, adding a splash of beef broth if needed. You can also microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

 

  • Can I use all ground beef?
    Yes! You can substitute the ground turkey with an equal amount of ground beef.

  • Are these spicy?
    The jalapeños add a mild kick. Leave them out for a kid-friendly version.

  • Can I make these ahead of time?
    Absolutely! The filling actually tastes even better after sitting overnight.

  • What's the best cheese to use?
    Cheddar, Colby Jack, American, or Pepper Jack all melt beautifully on these sloppy joes.

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Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Connie Perry Recipes-Southern Sloppy Joes
Connie Perry Recipes-Southern Sloppy Joes

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☐ 2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeños

☐ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

☐ Salt, to taste

☐ 8 hamburger buns

☐ Butter, for toasting buns

☐ 8 slices cheddar cheese

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