Manwich Sloppy Joe Recipe: Sloppy Joes—those juicy, messy, beefy sandwiches—have been a staple of American home kitchens and lunchrooms since the early 20th century. And when you bring Manwich into the mix, you’re dialing up the convenience without sacrificing any flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or need something simple that pleases even picky eaters, this Manwich Sloppy Joe recipe delivers every single time.
With a can of Manwich and a pound of ground beef, you’re just a few easy steps away from comfort food heaven. But this guide goes further than the basics—we’ll show you how to take your Sloppy Joes from good to unforgettable. From ingredient tips to serving ideas, this is your go-to Sloppy Joe playbook.
What Is Manwich Sloppy Joe?
At its core, a Sloppy Joe is simply seasoned ground meat simmered in a tomato-based sauce, then heaped onto a soft hamburger bun. Manwich, introduced in the 1960s, is a canned sauce that simplifies the process by combining tomato sauce, spices, onions, and bell peppers all in one convenient package.
Unlike traditional homemade versions that might require a long list of seasonings and prep, Manwich Sloppy Joes are all about ease. You get the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. And the best part? You don’t need to be a kitchen expert to pull it off.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Still wondering if Manwich Sloppy Joes are worth your dinner rotation? Let’s break it down:
- Quick Prep Time: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and canned sauce are easy on the wallet.
- Kid-Approved: Sweet, tangy, and not too spicy—perfect for all ages.
- Versatile: Can be customized with veggies, cheese, or alternative meats.
- Leftover-Friendly: Stores and reheats like a dream.
Basically, it checks all the boxes: fast, delicious, easy, and satisfying.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a massive grocery list for this. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 can (15 oz) Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 4 hamburger buns (or more, depending on size)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ onion, diced (for extra texture)
- ½ bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ketchup (for added sweetness)
- Dash of hot sauce (for a little heat)
- Shredded cheddar or American cheese (for a cheesy topping)
Ingredient Substitutes:
- Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Whole wheat or gluten-free buns for dietary needs
- Manwich Bold or Thick & Chunky for different flavor profiles
These ingredients are flexible, so don’t worry if you need to improvise a little. The core of this recipe—ground meat and Manwich—is rock solid.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You likely already have everything you need:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener
- Knife and cutting board (if adding fresh veggies)
- Toaster or oven (if toasting buns)
- Plate and paper towels (for draining grease, if needed)
Pro Tip: Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear on your meat, but a nonstick pan works just fine too. For easier cleanup, use a splatter screen to keep your stove mess-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Let’s get to the heart of the matter: cooking the perfect Manwich Sloppy Joe. Follow these steps closely and you’ll be in sandwich heaven.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Place your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir frequently until browned, about 6-8 minutes. If you’re using onions or garlic, toss them in as the meat begins to brown so they soften and flavor the meat.
Step 2: Drain the Fat
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease. You want the meat to be juicy but not oily. You can do this by tilting the pan and spooning out the fat or using a paper towel to absorb it.
Step 3: Add the Manwich Sauce
Open your can of Manwich and pour it over the cooked meat. Stir well to combine, making sure the sauce coats every bit of beef.
Step 4: Simmer the Mixture
Let the mixture simmer on low for about 10 minutes. This gives the sauce time to thicken and the flavors to deepen. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 5: Toast Your Buns (Optional But Recommended)
While the meat simmers, lightly toast your hamburger buns. You can use a toaster, oven, or buttered skillet. Toasting helps prevent soggy bread and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous amount of the Manwich mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded cheese if desired, then cap it with the top bun. Serve hot, and grab some napkins—these babies are messy in the best way!
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Ever
Even with just a few ingredients, there are ways to make your Manwich Sloppy Joes truly amazing. These tips will help you master the art of messy deliciousness:
- Don’t rush the simmering: Give the sauce a chance to thicken. Letting it simmer for at least 10 minutes makes the flavor richer and helps it cling better to the meat.
- Use fresh toppings: Add some fresh crunch with shredded lettuce, pickles, or even thinly sliced onions on top of your Sloppy Joe right before serving.
- Toast those buns: A slightly toasted bun holds up better to the sauce and adds a tasty texture. Butter them first if you want extra flavor.
- Add cheese at the right time: If you like cheesy Sloppy Joes, add cheese on top of the meat while it’s still in the pan and cover it for a minute to let it melt, or add it right after spooning onto the bun.
- Go low and slow with the heat: High heat can dry out your beef and burn the sauce. Medium or medium-low heat is ideal for simmering.
Want even more flavor? Stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika. Small touches like that can level up the dish.
Best Buns for Sloppy Joes
Let’s be honest—the bun can make or break a Sloppy Joe. Since the filling is juicy and messy, you need something that can hold up without turning to mush.
Best Bun Choices:
- Classic hamburger buns: The go-to option, but make sure they’re fresh and sturdy.
- Brioche buns: Buttery and slightly sweet, perfect for balancing out the savory sauce.
- Pretzel buns: Dense and chewy, great for a gourmet twist.
- Potato rolls: Soft but strong enough to handle the filling.
- Toasted sourdough: Not traditional, but deliciously tangy and holds up well.
Toasting Tip: Place your buns face-down in a dry skillet or in the oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. You can also brush them with a little butter for extra richness.
How to Customize Your Sloppy Joes
One of the best things about Manwich Sloppy Joes is how easy they are to customize. Want to spice things up? Make it cheesy? Add veggies? Go for it!
Spicy Version:
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce or sriracha to the sauce.
- Stir in diced jalapeños while browning the beef.
- Try Manwich Bold flavor for a more intense kick.
Cheesy Twist:
- Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella right into the pan during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Use cheese-stuffed buns for an extra melty surprise.
Veggie-Packed:
- Dice and sauté mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini with your meat.
- Stir in spinach or kale during the final few minutes to sneak in some greens.
You can even make it a “Sloppy Joe Casserole” by layering the filling in a baking dish with biscuits or tater tots on top and baking until golden. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
You’ve got your Sloppy Joes ready—but what about sides? The right side dish can elevate your meal from just okay to a total feast.
Classic Side Dishes:
- French fries or tater tots
- Potato chips or sweet potato chips
- Coleslaw (the crunch + creamy dressing = perfect match)
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
Healthier Options:
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Garden salad with ranch or vinaigrette
- Roasted veggie medley
- Corn on the cob
Perfect Drinks:
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Root beer
- A cold glass of milk (trust us—it balances the tanginess!)
Mix and match based on what you’re in the mood for. Sloppy Joes are easygoing like that.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Made too much? Lucky you! Manwich Sloppy Joes taste just as good the next day—maybe even better.
Storing:
- Let the meat cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the meat mixture for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip: Don’t store assembled sandwiches—the buns will get soggy. Always store the meat separately.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and warm on medium heat, stirring often.
Avoid reheating already-assembled sandwiches. Always build fresh buns to keep the texture right.
Can You Make Manwich Sloppy Joes in Advance?
Absolutely! If you’re hosting a party or planning meals ahead, Manwich Sloppy Joes are great make-ahead meals.
Prep-Ahead Tips:
- Brown your meat and mix it with Manwich sauce.
- Store the mixture in the fridge or freezer until needed.
- Reheat just before serving and toast the buns fresh.
This is perfect for busy families, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd on game day. Just set up a Sloppy Joe bar with buns, toppings, and sides, and let everyone build their own!
Manwich Sloppy Joe Variations
One of the best things about Manwich Sloppy Joes is how incredibly adaptable they are. You can switch up the meat, try new sauces, or even skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. Let’s explore a few creative spins on this classic dish:
Ground Turkey or Chicken:
- Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken.
- These options are lighter and lower in fat but still soak up all the Manwich flavor.
- Be sure not to overcook—lean meats dry out faster than beef.
Plant-Based/Vegan Option:
- Use crumbled plant-based meat like Beyond or Impossible.
- Lentils or finely chopped mushrooms also make great meatless substitutes.
- Pair with a vegan-friendly bun and Manwich Original (which is meat-free) for a satisfying meatless meal.
Tex-Mex Twist:
- Stir in a tablespoon of taco seasoning.
- Add black beans and corn to the mixture.
- Serve with jalapeños, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips on top.
Southern BBQ Style:
- Add a splash of BBQ sauce to the Manwich mix.
- Top with coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy bite.
Breakfast Sloppy Joe:
- Add a fried egg on top.
- Use an English muffin or biscuit instead of a bun.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon or shredded hash browns.
Each variation brings a new layer of flavor, proving that Manwich Sloppy Joes are anything but one-note.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this is a super beginner-friendly recipe, a few small missteps can make your Sloppy Joes less than stellar. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:
1. Using too much grease:
- Not draining the fat from your beef can make the sauce oily and overpowering.
- Always drain excess fat before adding your Manwich.
2. Overcooking the meat:
- Dry, crumbly meat = bad Sloppy Joe.
- Cook just until browned and let it finish simmering in the sauce.
3. Rushing the simmer time:
- If you don’t let the sauce thicken, your sandwich will be watery.
- Give it a full 10 minutes on low heat to get the right consistency.
4. Not toasting the buns:
- A soft, soggy bun just doesn’t hold up. A quick toast makes all the difference.
5. Assembling too early:
- Don’t build the sandwiches until you’re ready to eat. Letting them sit too long will make the buns fall apart.
By steering clear of these simple errors, you’re guaranteed to get the perfect bite every time.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving when using the classic ingredients (per Sloppy Joe sandwich with bun):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420–450 kcal |
| Protein | ~23–25g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30–35g |
| Fat | ~20–25g |
| Fiber | ~2–3g |
| Sugar | ~8–10g (mostly from sauce) |
| Sodium | ~800–900mg |
Keep in mind, values vary based on your meat choice, bun size, and added toppings. Choosing lean meats and whole wheat buns can make this dish a little lighter without losing flavor.
FAQs about Manwich Sloppy Joe Recipe
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean alternative and works just as well with Manwich sauce. Just be sure to season a little extra, as turkey can be milder in flavor.
2. How do I thicken a watery Sloppy Joe?
If your mixture is too runny, just let it simmer uncovered a bit longer. You can also add a teaspoon of tomato paste or cornstarch slurry for quicker thickening.
3. Is Manwich sauce spicy?
Nope, the original Manwich sauce is mild and slightly sweet. If you like heat, add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or try the “Bold” version.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 2–3 hours. Perfect for parties or potlucks.
5. What’s the best way to pack this for lunch?
Store the meat mixture in a thermos or microwave-safe container, and keep the bun separate. Heat and assemble when you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate step-by-step guide to Manwich Sloppy Joes. From quick prep and minimal cleanup to the rich, tangy-sweet flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds, this recipe is a winner every time. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a crowd-pleaser or a teen learning to cook for the first time, Manwich Sloppy Joes are your new best friend in the kitchen.
Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Add heat, load it up with cheese, try it on a pretzel bun, or swap in turkey—this dish is endlessly flexible and always delicious. So grab that can of Manwich and get cooking!
And hey, don’t forget the napkins—you’ll need ‘em.
