Ultimate Homemade Bacon Sloppy Joes: Your New Favorite Family Meal

Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner game with these incredible Homemade Bacon Sloppy Joes! Packed with irresistible flavor and ready in less than 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is a true winner. Whether you’re planning a lively game day feast or simply need a quick, satisfying meal for your family, these sloppy joes are guaranteed to hit the spot. Forget bland, watery versions; our recipe infuses every bite with the savory goodness of crispy bacon, transforming a classic comfort food into something truly extraordinary.

Why These Bacon Sloppy Joes Are a Must-Try

While our classic Sloppy Joe recipe holds a special place in our hearts, the addition of bacon takes this beloved dish to an entirely new dimension. The smoky, salty crispness of bacon isn’t just an add-on; it’s a game-changer, infusing every spoonful of the saucy meat mixture with an unparalleled depth of flavor and a delightful textural contrast. This isn’t just another comfort food; it’s an elevated experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I genuinely can’t imagine anyone not loving a generously piled bun overflowing with these savory, loose meat sandwiches. They are a consistent family favorite in our home, frequently requested for quick weeknight dinners and essential for casual entertaining. One of the many benefits of this recipe is its make-ahead potential. On those rare occasions when there are leftovers, they reheat beautifully, maintaining their delicious taste and satisfying texture, making them perfect for lunch the next day. It’s a versatile dish that adapts to your needs, whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just yourself.

RELATED: For perfectly crispy bacon every time, you might also like this recipe – Air Fryer Bacon

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bacon Sloppy Joes

Crafting the perfect Bacon Sloppy Joes starts with selecting quality ingredients. Below, we’ll dive into the components that make this dish so special. For exact measurements and a full list, be sure to check the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

ingredients you need for Bacon Sloppy Joes

GROUND MEAT – While this recipe traditionally calls for savory ground beef, its versatility allows for easy substitutions. You can effortlessly replace the same amount with your preferred ground meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken are popular choices for a lighter option, offering a milder flavor profile. For those seeking a richer, gamier taste, ground bison or venison would also be excellent and delicious alternatives. The fat content in your ground meat can also influence the final dish; for more details, check out our FAQ section below.

BACON – The star of the show! We typically use regular pork bacon for its classic smoky flavor and satisfying texture. However, if you’re looking to reduce fat or prefer a different taste, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that turkey bacon will offer a slightly different flavor and crispness. For the best results, aim for a good quality, medium-thick cut bacon that will crisp up beautifully and add that essential smoky depth to your sloppy joes.

VEGETABLES – Diced yellow onion and green bell pepper form the aromatic base, adding a subtle sweetness and freshness that complements the rich meat sauce. These cook down to become tender and flavorful, blending seamlessly into the sloppy joe mixture.

SAUCE INGREDIENTS – The signature sloppy joe sauce is a delightful blend of pantry staples:

Garlic Powder: For an essential aromatic kick.
Yellow Mustard: Adds a tangy, bright note that cuts through the richness.
Ketchup: The foundation of the sauce, providing sweetness and tomato tang.
Light Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of the ketchup and mustard, adding a touch of caramel sweetness.
Soy Sauce: A secret ingredient that adds a wonderful umami depth and a hint of savoriness, giving the sloppy joes an extra layer of complexity. If you prefer, Worcestershire sauce makes an excellent substitute.
Water: Used to create the perfect consistency for the sauce, ensuring it’s saucy but not watery.

BUNS – Don’t forget the hamburger buns! Soft sesame seed buns are ideal for soaking up all the delicious sloppy joe sauce. For parties, consider using slider buns for miniature, easy-to-handle portions.

Crafting Your Delicious Bacon Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide

These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delectable recipe. For a complete, printable version of this recipe, including all precise measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the post.

Crisp the Bacon: Begin by cooking your bacon pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat until they are perfectly crisp and evenly cooked through. Once golden and crunchy, remove the cooked bacon using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispness. Importantly, leave the rendered bacon grease in the pan. This flavorful fat will be used in the next step to impart a wonderful smoky essence to your meat and vegetables.
EXPERT TIP: While completely optional, we highly recommend utilizing the bacon grease. Cooking the ground beef and vegetables in this flavorful fat adds an incredible depth and smoky note that significantly enhances the overall taste of your sloppy joes. If you prefer, you can certainly drain the grease completely, but you’ll miss out on a layer of flavor.
Cook Meat and Veggies: To the same pan with the bacon grease, add your ground beef, chopped yellow onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook this mixture over medium heat, breaking up the ground beef with a spoon or spatula, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Continue cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent, indicating it’s releasing its natural sweetness into the mixture.
Drain Excess Fat: Once the ground beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, it’s time to drain off any excess fat from the pan. This step is crucial for preventing your sloppy joes from becoming greasy and ensures the sauce can properly coat the meat.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Return the pan to the stove. To the ground beef and vegetable mixture, add the garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, light brown sugar, and soy sauce. Pour in about 1/2 cup of water (adjust as needed for desired consistency). Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the ground beef is well-coated with the flavorful sauce components.
EXPERT TIP: The soy sauce is a fantastic addition, lending an extra layer of umami and depth to the sloppy joe flavor that sets this recipe apart. If you prefer, or don’t have soy sauce on hand, you can confidently substitute Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory boost.
Simmer for Flavor: Bring the sloppy joe mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, thickening the sauce and ensuring a rich, cohesive taste.
Season to Taste: After simmering, remove the lid and taste the mixture. Season generously with ground black pepper and sea salt to your preference. Adjust any other seasonings as needed to achieve your desired flavor balance.
Stir in Bacon: Finally, stir the reserved crispy bacon pieces back into the sloppy joe mixture. Ensure it’s distributed evenly throughout.
EXPERT TIP: Adding the bacon back at the very end is key! The crisp bacon provides a phenomenal textural contrast to the soft, saucy sloppy joe mixture. Stirring it in at this stage guarantees that the bacon retains its delightful crispness rather than becoming chewy or rubbery from prolonged simmering.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon generous portions of your homemade Bacon Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! These are also fantastic on slider buns for appetizers or party food.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Sloppy Joes

Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef in our bacon sloppy joes. Simply use an equal amount of your favorite ground poultry. Keep in mind that turkey and chicken are generally leaner and have a milder flavor profile than beef, so you might find the final dish a bit lighter in taste and texture. If using very lean ground poultry, ensure you still cook it in the bacon grease for added moisture and flavor, as outlined in the recipe’s expert tip.

What level of fat should my ground beef have for this recipe?

You truly can use any fat level of ground beef in this recipe, depending on your preference. We typically opt for a leaner ground beef, such as 85/15 (85% lean, 15% fat). If you choose a fattier meat, like 80/20, you will simply need to drain off more excess fat after browning to prevent the sloppy joes from becoming greasy. While a very lean mixture like 93/7 can be used, we generally don’t recommend it for this particular recipe. The slightly higher fat content contributes significantly to the overall flavor and juiciness, especially when combined with the bacon grease, resulting in a more satisfying and robust sloppy joe.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?

Yes, if you’re aiming to reduce the fat content in your diet or prefer a different flavor, you can certainly use turkey bacon in place of traditional pork bacon. It’s important to note that turkey bacon typically has a different flavor and texture compared to pork bacon; it tends to be less greasy and has a milder, sometimes chewier, crispness. While the end result will still be a delicious bacon sloppy joe sandwich, the overall taste and mouthfeel will have a distinct turkey bacon character. Adjust your cooking time for turkey bacon as it may cook faster or slower than pork bacon depending on its thickness.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Bacon Sloppy Joes

Sloppy joes are a beloved American classic, and the side dishes you choose can make the meal even more enjoyable. While a simple bag of potato chips is always a hit, consider these fantastic options to round out your meal:

Creamy Coleslaw or a vibrant Broccoli Slaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Hearty Homemade Baked Beans, a quintessential sloppy joe companion.
Crispy favorites like French Fries, golden Tater Tots, savory Onion Rings, or flavorful Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
Sweet and tender Corn on the Cob, especially during summer months.
Creamy and comforting Stovetop Mac and Cheese for ultimate indulgence.
Classic chilled salads like Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

One of the many advantages of these Bacon Sloppy Joes is how well they store. If you happen to have any delicious leftovers, simply transfer the sloppy joe mixture to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the mixture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the sloppy joe mixture in the microwave until warm, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, for a stovetop method, add a splash of water or broth to the mixture and simmer it over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until thoroughly heated through. This helps prevent drying out and keeps the texture perfect.

The marriage of crispy, smoky bacon chunks with the savory, tangy sloppy joe mixture creates a truly amazing meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner, a hearty lunch, or presenting them as delightful slider buns for parties and get-togethers, these Bacon Sloppy Joes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple in your recipe rotation. Don’t wait to give this fantastic recipe a try!

Explore More Delicious Sloppy Joe Recipes

If you love the ease and flavor of sloppy joes, you’re in luck! We have a variety of creative twists on this classic that you’re sure to enjoy:

Classic Sloppy Joes for the traditionalist.
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Muffins for a fun, portable meal.
One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta for a quick and easy weeknight solution.
Crockpot Sloppy Joes for effortless, slow-cooked goodness.

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Bacon Sloppy Joes

This irresistible recipe for Bacon Sloppy Joes brings a smoky, crispy twist to a classic comfort food. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners, lunches, or casual gatherings served on slider buns.

5 from 7 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course:
Dinner

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

6
sandwiches

40 minutes

Calories:
589

Author:

Amanda Davis

Ingredients

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1 pound bacon sliced into 1 inch pieces
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1 pound lean ground beef
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½ cup chopped yellow onion
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½ cup diced green bell pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon yellow mustard
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¾ cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon light brown sugar
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2 teaspoons soy sauce
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½ cup water if needed
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Ground black pepper and sea salt to taste
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6 sesame seed hamburger buns

Things You’ll Need

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Large skillet
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Slotted spoon

Before You Begin

The crisp bacon offers a delicious contrast to the saucy sloppy joe mixture. Stirring it in at the end ensures that it retains its crispness instead of becoming chewy or rubbery by simmering with the rest of the sloppy joe mixture.
While cooking the lean ground beef and vegetables in the bacon grease is optional, we highly recommend it for the added depth of flavor. If you prefer, you can drain the grease completely.
Note that the nutritional calculation DOES include the bun per serving.
The soy sauce adds a unique dimension to the sloppy joe flavor. If you prefer or don’t have soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce is an excellent substitute.

Instructions

Saute bacon pieces over medium high heat until crisp and evenly cooked through. Remove cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined dish to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the pan to add flavor while cooking the meat and vegetables.
Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper to the pan and cook over medium heat until the ground beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent.
Drain all of the excess fat from the pan.
To the ground beef mixture, add garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce, along with 1/2 cup water. Mix thoroughly.
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Stir the bacon back into the mixture to distribute evenly.
Serve on hamburger buns.

Nutrition

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.