19 Tasty Sloppy Joe Alternatives: Quick & Unique Options for Dinner

Last updated on September 17, 2023

Discover a world of mouthwatering alternatives to the traditional Sloppy Joe, guaranteed to please your taste buds and satisfy your cravings!

Are you tired of the same old sloppy joes for dinner? Do you want to switch things up but don’t know where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll explore some delicious and budget-friendly alternatives to the classic sloppy joe. From vegetarian options to unique flavor combinations, we’ve got you covered.

So grab a pen and paper, because by the end of this post, your taste buds will be begging for more. Let’s get started!

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

There are many ways to make vegetarian sloppy joes, but one popular option is using lentils as a substitute for ground beef. Lentils have a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making them an excellent choice for this dish.

To make vegetarian sloppy joes with lentils, start by cooking the lentils in vegetable broth until they’re tender. In another pan, sauté onions and garlic until they’re soft before adding diced bell peppers and carrots.

Once these vegetables have cooked down slightly, add canned tomatoes (or fresh ones if you prefer) along with tomato paste or ketchup.

Next comes seasoning – chili powder or cumin work well here – followed by Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s vegan if you need it to be). Finally stir in your cooked lentils before letting everything simmer together on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Vegan Sloppy Joes

Made with plant-based protein, these vegan joes are just as delicious and satisfying as their traditional counterparts.

To make Vegan Sloppy Joes, you can use lentils or chickpeas instead of ground beef. These legumes provide a similar texture and flavor to meat while being much healthier and more sustainable.

You can also add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

The key to making flavorful Vegan Sloppy Joes is in the sauce! A combination of tomato paste, vegetable broth or water (if you prefer), soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup (or brown sugar) along with spices such as chili powder and cumin will give your dish that perfect balance between sweet & savory flavors.

Serve your vegan sloppy joes on toasted buns topped with sliced avocadoes or pickles for added crunchiness.

BBQ Pulled Pork

The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in the sauce mixed with tender pulled pork will have your taste buds dancing. To make this dish, start by slow-cooking a pork shoulder until it’s fall-apart tender.

Then mix together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and spices to create the perfect BBQ sauce. Once your meat is cooked through and shredded into bite-sized pieces add it to the pot with your homemade barbecue sauce mixture.

Let everything simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes so that all those delicious flavors can meld together perfectly. Serve up these tasty sandwiches on brioche buns or even try them as sliders at your next party! Your guests will be raving about how good they are long after they’ve gone home!

Buffalo Chicken Joes

They’re easy to make and packed with flavor. To start, cook ground chicken in a skillet until browned and cooked through.

Then add buffalo sauce (homemade or store-bought) to the pan along with some diced celery and onion.

Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so that the flavors can meld together nicely. Once it’s done cooking, spoon the mixture onto your favorite buns or rolls.

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, making it an excellent choice for those who want to cut down on their fat intake without sacrificing flavor. To make Turkey Sloppy Joes, simply substitute ground turkey for the beef in your favorite recipe and add some extra spices or herbs to enhance its taste.

One of our favorite recipes includes sautéed onions and garlic with diced bell peppers added in before browning the ground turkey. Then we mix tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder and chili flakes together before adding them into the pan with cooked meat mixture.

Greek-Style Lamb Joes

This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors and hearty meals. The ground lamb is seasoned with garlic, oregano, and lemon juice to give it that authentic Greek taste.

To make these delicious joes, start by browning the ground lamb in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, add chopped onions and garlic to the pan along with some diced tomatoes and tomato paste.

Then season everything with oregano, salt & pepper before adding in some crumbled feta cheese.

Spoon this mixture onto your favorite hamburger buns or pita breads (for an even more authentic experience) before topping them off with fresh cucumber slices or tzatziki sauce if desired.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal. To make lentil sloppy joes, start by cooking your lentils according to package instructions.

In a separate pan, sauté onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant before adding in diced bell peppers or other vegetables of your choice.

Next, add tomato sauce or ketchup along with some Worcestershire sauce for added flavor. Mix in the cooked lentils until everything is well combined before letting it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Mushroom Sloppy Joes

Mushrooms have a meaty texture and can be used as an excellent substitute for ground beef. To make Mushroom Sloppy Joes, sauté chopped mushrooms with onions and garlic until they’re tender, then add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder and other seasonings to create that signature sloppy joe flavor.

You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms like portobello or shiitake to give your dish more depth in flavor. Serve it on toasted buns topped with cheese or coleslaw for added crunchiness.

Not only is this recipe delicious but it’s also budget-friendly since mushrooms are cheaper than ground beef! Plus you’ll get all the nutritional benefits from eating vegetables instead of red meat.

Tofu Sloppy Joes

Tofu is an excellent source of protein and can be flavored in many ways, making it a versatile ingredient for any dish.

To make Tofu Sloppy Joes, start by crumbling firm tofu into small pieces and sautéing it with onions and garlic until the tofu is lightly browned. Then add your favorite sloppy joe sauce (homemade or store-bought) along with some diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices like chili powder or cumin.

Let everything simmer together until the flavors have melded together nicely. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like avocado slices or shredded cheese.

Tex-Mex Beef Joes

This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. Start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked.

Drain any excess fat from the pan, then add diced onions, bell peppers, garlic powder, chili powder and cumin to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Next up is adding your favorite salsa (homemade or store-bought) along with some tomato sauce into the mix; stir well before reducing heat to low-medium setting allowing everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. Finally! Spoon your delicious Tex-Mex beef mixture onto toasted hamburger buns or bread rolls of choice – top off with shredded cheese if desired – serve hot & enjoy! This recipe can be easily customized according to personal preferences – try using different types of meat such as ground turkey instead of beef – experiment with various spices like smoked paprika instead of chili powder – get creative!

Chorizo Sloppy Joes

This recipe is packed with bold flavors and will leave your taste buds tingling. To make this dish, start by browning some chorizo in a pan over medium heat until it’s cooked through.

Then add diced onions and bell peppers to the pan and cook until they’re soft.

Next, stir in some tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika and garlic powder to create a rich sauce that perfectly complements the spiciness of the chorizo. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes before serving on toasted buns.

Chicken Caesar Joes

The Chicken Caesar Joe is a delicious and healthy alternative that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. To make this recipe, start by cooking ground chicken in a skillet until it’s browned and cooked through.

Then add some minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced tomatoes to the pan along with some Caesar dressing.

Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes until all the flavors have melded together nicely. Spoon your mixture onto toasted buns and top with shredded Parmesan cheese.

Curry Sloppy Joes

This fusion dish combines the traditional American sandwich with aromatic spices and flavors from India. The result is a mouthwatering meal that will leave your taste buds dancing.

To make Curry Sloppy Joes, start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic to the pan and cook until they become translucent.

Then add curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt and pepper to taste.

Next up is adding tomato sauce or puree along with some water to create an aromatic base for your sloppy joes mixture. Let it simmer on low heat until it thickens up nicely before serving on toasted buns or bread slices.

You can also customize this recipe according to your preferences by using chicken instead of beef or adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the mix for added nutrition.

Italian Sausage Joes

The Italian Sausage Joe combines the classic flavors of Italy with the comfort food appeal of Sloppy Joes. To make this dish, start by browning some sweet or spicy Italian sausage in a pan over medium heat.

Once cooked through, add diced onions and bell peppers to the pan and sauté until they are soft and fragrant.

Next, stir in some tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought) along with your favorite seasonings such as garlic powder, oregano, basil or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes until it thickens up nicely.

Hawaiian Sloppy Joes

This recipe combines ground beef, sweet pineapple chunks, and tangy teriyaki sauce for a flavor explosion in every bite. To make this dish even more budget-friendly, use canned pineapple instead of fresh and opt for store-bought teriyaki sauce.

To prepare Hawaiian Sloppy Joes at home, start by browning one pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat from the pan before adding diced onions and green peppers to sauté until tender.

Next up is adding your seasonings: garlic powder, salt & pepper – followed by 1/2 cup of ketchup (or tomato paste), 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey) along with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce into your skillet mixture.

Now it’s time to add some island flair! Stir in one can of drained pineapple chunks along with half a cup of store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce into your meat mixture until everything is well combined. Let it simmer on low heat for about ten minutes so all those flavors can meld together perfectly before serving them up hot onto toasted hamburger buns or slider rolls!

French Onion Joes

The combination of caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese makes for an irresistible sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion.

To make French Onion Joes, start by sautéing thinly sliced onions in butter until they are soft and golden brown. Add some beef broth to deglaze the pan and let it simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Next, add ground beef to the pan along with some Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and thyme. Cook everything together until the meat is browned all over.

Spoon your delicious mixture onto toasted buns before topping each one with a generous amount of shredded Gruyere cheese. Pop them under your broiler or grill just long enough for that cheesy goodness to melt into bubbly perfection!

Philly Cheese Steak Joes

Made with thinly sliced beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and melted provolone cheese on top of a toasted bun – it’s the ultimate comfort food. To make this delicious sandwich even more budget-friendly, use ground beef instead of sliced steak.

Simply brown the meat in a pan with some diced onions and green peppers until cooked through. Then add some Worcestershire sauce to give it that classic Philly flavor.

Serve your cheesy beef mixture on toasted buns topped with slices of provolone cheese that will melt perfectly under the broiler or in an oven at 350°F (175°C). This recipe is sure to be a hit at any family dinner or game day party!

Cajun Sloppy Joes

This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. Start by browning ground beef in a skillet, then add diced onions, green bell peppers, and celery until they’re soft.

Next comes the Cajun seasoning mix – paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper – which will give your sloppy joes that signature kick.

To finish off this delicious dish you’ll need some tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce to bring everything together. Serve on toasted buns with pickles or coleslaw for an extra crunch.

Reuben Sandwich Joes

Made with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, these Reuben Sandwich Joes are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.

To make this delicious alternative to the classic sloppy joe recipe, start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through and no longer pink in color drain any excess fat from the pan before adding chopped onions and garlic.

Cook until softened before stirring in some tomato sauce along with Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.

Next up is where things get interesting! Add some sauerkraut into your mixture along with diced corned beef (leftovers work great here!) Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes so that all those flavors can meld together perfectly.

Finally comes time to assemble your sandwiches! Toast up some rye bread slices under broiler until golden brown then spoon meat mixture onto each slice followed by shredded Swiss cheese on top of it all. Pop them back under broiler just long enough for cheese melt completely – usually around 2-3 minutes should do it!

Serve hot alongside pickles or potato chips if desired – trust us when we say that these Reuben Sandwich Joes will quickly become one of your new favorite meals!

FAQ

What are alternate names for sloppy joes?

Alternate names for sloppy joes include Manwich, slush burger, yum yums, dynamite, spoonburgers, and tavern sandwich, with Manwich being the most well-known.

Is a loose meat sandwich the same as a Sloppy Joe?

No, a loose meat sandwich is not the same as a Sloppy Joe, as the former has flavored ground beef without any sauce, while the latter contains a tomato-based sauce.

What is the difference between Sloppy Joe and Manwich?

The difference between Sloppy Joe and Manwich is that Manwich is the marketed version of the Sloppy Joe sauce, often perceived as an “easier” alternative to homemade sauce.

Are sloppy joes a Midwest thing?

Sloppy joes originated from the Midwest, specifically in Sioux City, Iowa, as “loose meat sandwiches” created by a cook named Joe in the 1930s.

What are some popular international variations of the Sloppy Joe?

Some popular international variations of the Sloppy Joe include the Barros Luco in Chile, Roti John in Singapore and Malaysia, and Keema Pav in India.

How can one make a vegetarian or vegan version of the Sloppy Joe?

To make a vegetarian or vegan version of the Sloppy Joe, substitute the meat with a plant-based protein like lentils, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein, and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

What are some healthy ingredient substitutions to make a traditional Sloppy Joe recipe more nutritious?

Some healthy ingredient substitutions for a traditional Sloppy Joe recipe include using lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat buns, and incorporating more vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions.

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