Sloppy Joeys

A Fun & Tasty Twist on Classic Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joeys...! What are Sloppy Joeys? And who doesn't love Sloppy Joes? That saucy, savory goodness piled onto a soft bun—it's comfort food at its finest. But what about when you want a smaller, fun-sized version? That’s where Joeys come in!

These mini Sloppy Joes take everything you love about the classic, but serve them in kid-friendly portions on dinner rolls, English muffins, biscuits, or whatever fun-sized bread you like. They’re great for little hands, easy to eat, and perfect for parties, game nights, and family dinners.

And here’s a little secret: You can sneak in extra veggies without picky eaters noticing! Grated carrots, finely chopped broccoli, or even diced zucchini blend right into the meat sauce. They add extra nutrition while keeping the classic bold, tangy flavor.

Why Sloppy Joeys Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Not only are Sloppy Joeys super easy to make, but they’re also great for feeding a crowd. Their small size makes them perfect for appetizers, and they’re a hit at kids' parties.

✔ Kid-approved & easy to eat  

✔ Can be made ahead & reheated  

✔ Great for game nights, tea parties, baby showers  

✔ Perfect for potlucks & casual family meals

And let’s be honest—adults love them just as much as kids!

How to Choose the Best Ingredients for Sloppy Joeys

Since the sauce is the star of any Sloppy Joe, it’s important to use fresh, flavorful ingredients to make every bite delicious.

Best Ground Meat Choices:  

• Lean ground beef – Classic choice with rich flavor  
• Ground turkey – Lighter & lower in fat, but still hearty  
• Ground chicken – Mild, but takes on sauces beautifully

Pro Tip: If using extra-lean meat, add a little olive oil to keep it juicy.

Vegetables That Add Flavor & Nutrition:  

• Green bell pepper – Adds subtle sweetness & depth  
• Sweet onion – Enhances the natural flavors  
• Carrots – Finely grated for added nutrition  
• Zucchini or mushrooms – Blend in seamlessly

Best Bread Options for Sloppy Joeys:

• Dinner rolls – Soft, bite-sized & easy for kids  
• English muffins – Adds a slight crunch & structure  
• Biscuits – Flaky & buttery for a more indulgent bite

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Sloppy Joeys Recipe

 Prep Time: 10 minutes  

 Cook Time: 20 minutes  

 Total Time: 30 minutes  

 Servings: 8-12 mini sandwiches

 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)  
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped  
• ½ medium sweet onion, chopped  
• 1 can (14 oz) petite diced tomatoes (low-sodium)  
• 1 small can tomato paste  
• ½ cup sweet pickle relish  
• 2-3 tbsp ketchup or barbecue sauce  
• 1 tsp onion powder  
• 1 tsp garlic powder  
• 1 tsp dried basil  
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional)  
• Salt & black pepper to taste  
• 8-12 dinner rolls, English muffins, or biscuits

Instructions:

Cook the meat & veggies  

• In a skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat.  
• Add chopped peppers & onions, cooking until soft.  
• Drain excess fat if needed.

Make the sauce  

• Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, pickle relish, ketchup, & seasonings.  
• Let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble the sandwiches  

• Slice and lightly toast dinner rolls or biscuits.  
• Spoon a generous portion of meat sauce onto each piece.  
• Serve warm & enjoy!

Notes:

Healthier Option: Use whole wheat dinner rolls & lean ground turkey to cut down on calories and boost fiber.

 Nutritional Estimates (Per Serving)

•  Calories - 250-300 kcal    
•  Protein - 20-25g          
•  Total Fat - 10-12g          
•  Carbohydrates - 25-30g      
•  Sugars - 5-10g           
•  Sodium - 600-900mg

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Fun Variations on Sloppy Joeys

And a little secret - you can add extra veggies to this recipe - for the kids' version if you have picky eaters. Just chop or grate carrots, broccoli, or any others you think you can get away with, just saying...? Plus, here are a few more variations you can try:

✔ Cheesy Sloppy Joeys – Melt cheddar or provolone over the meat before serving  

✔ Spicy Sloppy Joeys – Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra heat  

✔ BBQ Sloppy Joeys – Use smoky barbecue sauce instead of ketchup  

✔ Hawaiian Sloppy Joeys – Add pineapple chunks for a sweet twist  

✔ Veggie-Packed Sloppy Joeys – Stir in finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms

Menu Ideas for Events

Since Sloppy Joeys are great for any occasion, here are some ideas for how to serve them at different events:

Kids' Birthday Parties  

• Serve with smiley potato fries & carrot sticks  
• Offer mini fruit cups for a fresh, fun side

Game Nights & Casual Gatherings 

• Serve with loaded nachos or cheesy tater tots  
• Pair with a tray of crunchy pickles & chips

Baby Showers & Tea Parties  

• Use soft dinner rolls for an elegant mini version  
• Serve with fresh salad & a light fruit punch

Family Dinners & Weeknight Meals 

• Pair with coleslaw & baked beans  
• Add sweet cornbread muffins for extra comfort

Final Thoughts:
Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joeys

Making Sloppy Joeys at home is easy, fun, and endlessly customizable. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal, a kid-friendly lunch, or bite-sized party food, they fit the bill perfectly.

So, what’s your favorite way to serve Sloppy Joeys? Do you keep it classic or experiment with new flavors? Let’s hear your best mini sandwich ideas!

And to here's another sneaky twist, this recipe even adds pears to make kid-friendly sloppy joes, something I have never thought about. We do what we can to provide our kids with healthy and nutritious meals. (Link will open in a new window.)

If you liked this recipe, consider adding a comment as well as a pic below if you made them yourself. We'd love to see how you served them!

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