Make weeknight dinners a breeze with this Homemade Sloppy Joe Dry Mix! It’s a simple, pantry-friendly mix that you can whip up in minutes and keep on hand for months. Just a few tablespoons of this mix, combined with ketchup, water, and ground beef, turns into rich, savory, slightly sweet Sloppy Joes that everyone will love! Skip the store-bought packets; this homemade mix is flavorful, customizable, and keeps the classic Sloppy Joe taste you grew up loving. I also have my classic, tried-and-true Sloppy Joe Recipe that always hits the spot.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Dried Minced Onion: I used dried minced onion for a savory flavor and texture. If you don’t have it, onion powder works, too, but just about 1 teaspoon per tablespoon of minced onion.
- Light Brown Sugar: I like light brown sugar for its sweetness that balances the tang and spice. Dark brown sugar works too if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, garlicky note. You could also use granulated garlic if that’s what you have on hand.
- Dry Mustard Powder: Gives the mix a gentle tang and depth of flavor. You could use a bit more mustard powder or a pinch of ground turmeric for a slight variation.
- Salt & Black Pepper: I used kosher salt and ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors and add a little mild heat. Table salt works if needed, just use a little less.
- Ground Beef (for Sloppy Joes): I used ground beef for the classic rich flavor. To make Sloppy Joes, cook the beef in a skillet until no longer pink, then stir in 3 tablespoons of the dry mix, ¾ cup ketchup, and ⅓ cup water. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened, then serve on toasted buns. Ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter alternative.
FAQs
What is Sloppy Joe Dry Mix?
Sloppy Joe Dry Mix is a homemade, pantry-friendly blend of dried spices, sugar, salt, and onion that you can keep on hand. Just a few tablespoons added to ground beef, ketchup, and water make quick, flavorful Sloppy Joes anytime. This batch makes enough for about 8 pounds of ground beef if using the recommended 3 tablespoons per pound of meat.
What’s the difference between homemade and store-bought Sloppy Joe mix?
Homemade mix lets you control the flavor, sweetness, and salt, and it keeps in your pantry for months. Store-bought packets often have preservatives, added salt, and artificial flavors, so making your own gives a fresher, more flavorful sandwich.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely! The light brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, but you can reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sweet sandwich, or increase it for a sweeter version.
Can I make this mix ahead of time?
Yes! The dry mix keeps in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. It’s a great mix to have ready for quick weeknight meals.
Can I use a different meat?
Yes! Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey or chicken works for a lighter option. The mix also works with plant-based crumbles if you want a vegetarian version.
What Else Can I Use Sloppy Joe Mix For?
This dry mix isn’t just for classic sandwiches; it’s a quick way to upgrade weeknight dinners. Spoon it over baked potatoes, pile it onto Sloppy Joe Sliders, tuck it into Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese, or turn it into my cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes for a fun twist. You can even try it in a Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Single-Batch Option (For 1 Pound of Ground Beef)
If you don’t want to make the full batch of dry mix, you can season 1 pound of ground beef with the following:
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 ½ tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Stir the seasonings directly into the browned ground beef, then add the ketchup and water as directed. Simmer until thickened and serve as usual.
How to Store Sloppy Joe Dry Mix
Dry Mix: Keep your mix in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months.
Cooked Sloppy Joes: If you’ve already made the sandwiches, store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked Sloppy Joes for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop before serving.
Homemade Sloppy Joe Dry Mix
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Dry Mix
- ½ cup dried minced onion
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons dry mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
To Make Sloppy Joes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons sloppy joe mix
- ¾ cup (204 g) ketchup
- ⅓ cup water
- hamburger buns, toasted, for serving
Instructions
To Make the Dry Mix
- Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl until well combined. This makes about 1 ½ cups of dry mix, or enough for about 8 pounds of ground beef.*
- Transfer to an airtight jar or container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
To Make Sloppy Joes
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of the dry sloppy joe mix, ketchup, and water. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Serve warm on toasted hamburger buns.
Notes
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 ½ tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Did you make this recipe?
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