Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning (McCormick Copycat)
Description
An easy homemade sloppy joe seasoning that copycats the McCormick packet using pantry spices. One batch seasons 1 pound of ground beef — no fillers, just sweet, tangy, savory flavor in 5 minutes.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix (equals 1 packet):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
To Make Sloppy Joes:
- 1 pound ground beef, or turkey
- 1 can, 8 oz tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¾ cup water
- 5 hamburger buns, toasted, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, stir together all the seasoning mix ingredients until evenly combined. Use now, or store for later.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir the full batch of seasoning into the beef, then add the tomato sauce, ketchup, and water.
- Bring to a simmer and cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and saucy.
- Spoon onto toasted buns and serve.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Skillet
Notes
- Make ahead: Multiply the mix and store airtight in a cool, dry place up to 6 months. One batch (about 3 tablespoons) = one packet = 1 lb of meat. Stir before measuring, as the cornstarch settles.
- Substitutions: No dried minced onion? Use 1 tsp onion powder. No celery salt? Use ¼ tsp celery seed plus a pinch more salt.
- Variations: Add a teaspoon more brown sugar for kid-friendly sweetness; double the red pepper flakes for heat; use smoked paprika for a smoky note.
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free if your cornstarch and chili powder are certified; swap in arrowroot if needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 24gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 1097mgPotassium: 442mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 360IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 4mg