Sloppy Joe Meatballs Recipe - Easy, Saucy & Delicious
If you love comfort food that’s messy, saucy, and satisfying, then this Sloppy Joe Meatballs recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on two all-American classics: sloppy joes and meatballs. Whether you’re serving them over rice, in hoagie rolls, or as a game-day appetizer, these juicy meatballs drenched in sweet and tangy Sloppy Joe sauce will win everyone over.
Why You'll Love This Sloppy Joe Meatballs Recipe
• Juicy homemade meatballs packed with flavor
• Sweet and savory sauce that clings to every bite
• Versatile enough for sandwiches, pasta, or appetizers
• Family-friendly and great for meal prep
• Quick to make with everyday pantry ingredients
What Are Sloppy Joe Meatballs?
Sloppy Joe Meatballs are a delicious hybrid of traditional meatballs and classic Sloppy Joe flavors. Instead of serving loose ground beef in a bun, you form the meat into savory meatballs, bake or sear them, then simmer them in a rich, tomato-based sauce. The result is a handheld (or fork-worthy) twist on the traditional Sloppy Joe sandwich—more structured, just as flavorful, and definitely more fun to eat!
Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional but recommended for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Sloppy Joe Meatballs
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ketchup.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch balls using your hands or a scoop. You should get about 18–22 meatballs.
- Bake: Place meatballs on the prepared tray and bake for 18–20 minutes until browned and cooked through. (Or pan-fry in a skillet if you prefer.)
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Add tomato sauce, paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, and seasonings. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Combine: Add cooked meatballs into the sauce and stir gently to coat them completely. Simmer together for another 5–10 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot as a sandwich filling, over mashed potatoes, or with pasta or rice.
Serving Suggestions
- On Sandwich Rolls: Toasted hoagie or brioche buns are perfect for messy, flavorful Sloppy Joe Meatball sandwiches.
- Over Pasta: Serve over spaghetti or rotini for a hearty dinner twist.
- As an Appetizer: Stick toothpicks in mini meatballs and serve at parties with extra sauce on the side.
- With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: A perfect comfort-food combo with creamy mashed potatoes or white rice.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
• Refrigerator: Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Meatballs
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicy, tender meatballs.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture—this can make them tough.
- Chill the meatballs for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Double the sauce if you love things extra sloppy.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat in your sauce.
Variations to Try
- Turkey Sloppy Joe Meatballs: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Spicy BBQ Style: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce and add chopped jalapeños to the mix.
- Cheesy Surprise: Insert a small cube of cheddar into the center of each meatball before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Use meatless meatball mix and a plant-based sauce—just as satisfying!
Nutrition Information (Estimated per Serving)
• Calories: 410
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 670mg
*Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Yes! If you’re short on time, frozen cooked meatballs work just fine. Just simmer them in the sauce until heated through.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your condiments (especially Worcestershire and ketchup) are gluten-free too.
3. How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
Be sure to use both a binder (like egg) and filler (like breadcrumbs). Also, don’t skip chilling them briefly before cooking.
4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the meatballs, place them in a slow cooker, cover with sauce, and cook on low for 3–4 hours.
5. Are Sloppy Joe Meatballs spicy?
Not by default—this version is more sweet and savory. If you like heat, feel free to add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
• If you're craving something saucy, hearty, and full of flavor, these Sloppy Joe Meatballs are calling your name.
• They're ideal for weeknight dinners, casual parties, or even game day appetizers—easy to make, easy to eat, and easy to love.
• Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never want to go back to canned sauce or plain old sloppy joes again.
So roll up your sleeves, get saucy, and dig into the best Sloppy Joe Meatballs you've ever had!
