This post may contain affiliate links.
BBQ Sloppy Joes are just as quick and easy as the classic, but with a sweet and smoky twist! Pile them high on a soft bun and add a scoop of crunchy coleslaw for a cool, creamy topping for a delicious sandwich the whole family will love!
My daughter Bella’s favorite meal is as easy as it gets….sloppy joes!! I think she gets that from me, because I’ve always loved them, too! And though she’d eat them every day of the week, I enjoy switching it up every once in awhile, which is why I created some variations such as Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and now this BBQ version!
This version is just as simple, but adds a fun twist with the sweet & smoky sauce and the unique addition of the coleslaw (though that’s optional….my kids prefer without, but I love a scoop of it on top!). Best of all? It’s ready in just 20 minutes!! Try it and see what you think!
BBQ Sloppy Joes Ingredients
- Ground Beef – I like to use lean ground beef so you don’t have as much grease to drain. You could also use ground pork or ground turkey.
- Diced Onion – I like using frozen diced onion as I always have it on hand! Fresh onion works great, too.
- Barbecue Sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s Original is my favorite, but use whatever you like best!
- Black Pepper & Vinegar – A little boost of flavor!
- Hamburger Buns – Or use slider buns for smaller servings or appetizer portions!
- Coleslaw – Totally optional, but a super fun contract to the warm, smoky sloppy joe meat! Use store-bought prepared coleslaw or make your own!
How to Make BBQ Sloppy Joes
Like most sloppy joe recipes, you’ll begin by browning the ground beef. You’ll cook the onion at the same time.
Once the meat is all browned and there’s no pink remaining, drain the excess grease and discard. Add the barbecue sauce, pepper, and vinegar and stir it in.
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together! The sauce will reduce slightly and become perfectly smokey, sweet and full of flavor!
Serving Suggestions
- For a simple weeknight meal, serve the meat warm on hamburger buns (extra credit if you toast the buns) with coleslaw!
- If making BBQ Sloppy Joes for a crowd, consider making a double or triple batch and keep it in a slow cooker. Serve with hamburger buns or small slider buns, coleslaw, dill pickle slices and additional barbecue sauce, if desired!
- Serve the sloppy joes with crispy potato wedges, pasta salad, and fresh fruit for all the barbecue vibes!
If you plan to serve these at a party (or for dinner in a couple hours), simply transfer the cooked meat to a slow cooker and keep it on low!
How to Store Leftover Sloppy Joes
- Store leftover meat in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Microwave or heat leftovers on the stovetop when ready to enjoy again!
- Freeze sloppy joe meat in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge then warm in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy! These make a great freezer meal for those hectic busy nights!
Other Family Favorite Meals!
- Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Homemade Hot Pockets
- Maid Rites (aka loose meat sandwiches)
- Pizza Sliders
- Easy Pretzel Dogs
- Walking Tacos
BBQ Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup prepared coleslaw optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and onions.1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup diced onion
- Brown until no longer red; drain the excess grease.
- Add the barbecue sauce, vinegar, and black pepper and stir.1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Let simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw, if desired.4 hamburger buns, 1 cup prepared coleslaw
