These Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes are a quick and hearty meal the whole family will love. Packed with savory, tangy sauce and tender ground beef, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

A plate of Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes with juicy ground beef and tangy sauce served on soft hamburger buns.
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These Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and quick to make. Juicy ground beef simmers in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that clings perfectly to soft hamburger buns.

Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a nostalgic, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Serve with a side of fries or a simple salad for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
  • Family-Friendly: Mildly sweet and savory flavors that kids love.
  • Hearty and Filling: Juicy ground beef with a rich, thick sauce.
  • Versatile: Perfect on buns, sliders, or even over rice.
  • Comfort Food Classic: Brings nostalgic, satisfying flavors to your table.

Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes on kitchen table.
  • Olive Oil – Smooth, rich oil for sautéing vegetables evenly.
  • Onions – Finely chopped onions for sweet, aromatic base.
  • Green Bell Pepper – Adds crisp, slightly sweet flavor to mixture.
  • Ground Beef – Juicy, flavorful meat for hearty sloppy joes.
  • Minced Garlic – Fresh garlic for bold, savory depth of flavor.
  • Light Brown Sugar – Adds subtle sweetness to balance tangy sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances umami and savory flavor in sauce.
  • Mustard – Sharp, tangy mustard for depth and flavor balance.
  • Ground Paprika – Mild spice and vibrant color for seasoning.
  • Ketchup – Adds sweet, tangy tomato flavor to mixture.
  • Water – Helps combine sauce ingredients and thin consistency.
  • Optional To Serve – Hamburger buns, pickles, coleslaw, scallions, etc.

How To Make Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes

Browning ground beef and diced onions in the Instant Pot using sauté mode until fully cooked."

Step One: Add the ground beef and diced onions to the Instant Pot Bowl, and brown the meat by pressing the Instant Pot’s saute button. Saute until the meat is fully cooked.

Add ketchup, BBQ sauce, and ancho chili powder to browned meat in Instant Pot, then cook under high pressure for 10 minutes with lid on.

Step Two: Once the meat is fully browned, add the ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Ancho Chili Powder. Mix well, then add your lid, and set the manual high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is up, do a quick release.

Step Three: Serve on top of a roll, and add some dill pickle slices in between the sandwich.

Serve sloppy joe mixture on a roll and top with dill pickle slices for extra flavor."

Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions, bell peppers, and garlic really elevate the flavor.
  • Don’t skip browning the beef: Browning adds depth and richness to the sauce.
  • Adjust sweetness and tang: Taste the sauce before serving and tweak ketchup, brown sugar, or Worcestershire to your preference.
  • Keep it juicy: If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth.
  • Serve immediately: Sloppy Joes are best served hot on soft, fresh buns for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

  • Storing Instructions: Store leftover Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
  • Freezing Instructions: Place the cooled Sloppy Joe mixture in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.
  • Reheating Instructions: Reheat Sloppy Joes in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered dish until hot.
A hearty Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe sandwich served on a bun with pickles and a side of coleslaw.

Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes Recipe Faqs

Can I make these sloppy joes ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture? Absolutely. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken works perfectly for a lighter version. Adjust seasoning to taste, as poultry can be milder than beef.

What are some toppings or sides to serve with these sloppy joes? Classic toppings include pickles, coleslaw, or sliced scallions. Serve alongside potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

More Copycat Pioneer Woman Recipes

Copycat Pioneer Woman’s Peach-Whiskey Chicken Recipe

Whiskey peach BBQ sauce

Pioneer Woman Salmon Patties

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Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes

Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes recipe! Quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound ground meat, lean
  • 1/2 cup onions, diced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 8 Slices Dill Pickle
  • 8 Potato Buns, Brioche

Instructions

  • Add the ground beef and diced onions to the Instant Pot Bowl, and brown the meat by pressing the Instant Pot's saute button. Saute until the meat is fully cooked.
  • Once the meat is fully browned, add the ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Ancho Chili Powder. Mix well, add your lid, and set the manual high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is up, do a quick release.
  • Serve on top of a roll, and add some dill pickle slices in between the sandwich.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Instant Pot, or Pressure Cooker
  • Tongs

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 306kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 22gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 2033mgPotassium: 468mgFiber: 3gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 512IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 248mgIron: 4mg

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