Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning Recipe

Homemade Sloppy Joe Night

I like to make sloppy Joe(s) in fall and winter. This one's a classic comfort food at our house. The recipe that follows is the result of quite a bit of trial and error over the years. I like it because it's spicy and has something for everyone in the family. It's a one skillet meal that's fast and easy to prepare. It's a favorite with kids - of all ages, and lends itself well to variations and enhancements. Leftovers also taste great the next day and beyond.  If you want to experiment, think beyond the bun. Serve it over cornbread, in a pita pocket, or as a prepared pizza crust topping. 

Add leftover veggies to the pot too, if you have them. Corn and diced carrots are good options. They add nutritional value without impacting the sweet, tangy tomato flavor a good sloppy Joe is known for.

One nice things about making your own spice blends and mixes is that you often have many of the required ingredients in your cupboard already. Once you've purchased a few that you don't have, you can use your herb and spice stash in lots of different recipes. You'll also have more control over things like additives and preservatives in the meals you prepare. This is especially true of added sodium.

Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning Recipe

• 2 tbsp. Onion powder
• 2 tbsp. Paprika
• 1 tsp. Garlic powder
• 1 tsp. Chili powder
• 1 tsp. Marjoram (dried)
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. Black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. celery seed

Sloppy Joe Recipe Directions

1.  Saute a pound of ground beef* and drain. 
2.  Add the seasoning mixture and stir to incorporate. 
3. Gradually add a cup of ketchup (catsup) and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. 
4. Simmer uncovered for five minutes or until slightly thickened.

*Cook beef to an internal temperature of 145°F and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes.

I also like to add a half cup of sliced mushrooms and a quarter of a cup of diced green pepper if I have them. These ingredients are optional.

If you insist on adding tomato sauce instead of ketchup, include about 2 teaspoons of cornstarch as a thickening agent.  The result won't be as peppy, though.

You can make a big batch of seasoning ahead of time. The bulk ingredient list below will make triple the recipe. Use about a third of a cup of seasoning per pound of ground beef (or turkey).

You can't beat comfort food on a cold night

Bulk Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning Recipe

• 6 tbsp. Onion powder
• 6 tbsp. Paprika
• 1 tbsp. Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. Chili powder
• 1 tbsp. Marjoram (dried)
• 1 tbsp. dry mustard
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 1-1/2 tsp. Black pepper
• 3/4 tsp. celery seed

Store Sloppy Joe seasoning in an airtight container, in a cool location. It should last up to 6 months.

Special note: Use onion and garlic powder instead of onion salt or garlic salt. If you use the salted varieties of these dried spices, the mixture will contain too much sodium.