Freezable Sloppy Joes are straight from your make-ahead meal dreams. 8-ingredients, 1 skillet and less than 30 minutes to prepare. Make a double batch, serve dinner and freeze the rest for later!
This recipe is AMAZING. I skipped the red peppers, because my kids don't do veggies (maybe someday), but followed everything else as written! The whole family loved it, which is good, because there are frozen leftovers packaged and ready to go in the freezer!
-Andrea
There are hectic, demanding, hard, energy depleted days when making a fresh dinner just isn't going to happen. Those nights, there is nothing better than knowing your freezer is stocked with healthy options you can get on the table fast.
Meet my favorite freezer-friendly meal. Freezable Sloppy Joes. The whole family loves them AND they go from freezer to table with very minimal effort. These guys are refined sugar free and even give you the options of sneaking in a some extra veggies (if you're into that sort of thing).
This recipe was inspired by Rachel Ray's Super Sloppy Sandwiches, and pairs well with this amazing Greek Yogurt Coleslaw. You can serve the slaw on the side or pile it right on top of the sandwiches. Either way, coleslaw + sloppy joe = perfect match.
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Ingredients
- 1 TBS olive oil
- 1 large red pepper, diced
- 1 lb of ground beef
- 1 TBS McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 2 TBS honey
- 1 TBS red wine vinegar
- 1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
- 2 TBS of tomato paste
- 6 Hamburger Buns
- OPTIONAL: Pickles, coleslaw and/or red onions for serving
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and red peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add ground beef, steak seasoning and honey to the skillet. Use a wood spoon to break up the meat and combine all ingredients.
Step 3: When the meat has browned, add vinegar, tomato sauce and tomato paste.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sloppy joe thickens. Serve on whole wheat buns.
Hint: These Sloppy Joes come together quickly. It is helpful to have all ingredients prepped and measured before turning on the stove.
How To Freeze Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Allow the Sloppy Joes to cool, then transfer to a freezer safe plastic bag. Seal bag. Make sure it is airtight.
Step 2: Place bag on a sheet pan. Flatten the bag so that the Sloppy Joe is evenly distributed. Freeze overnight.
Step 3: Remove frozen Sloppy Joe from the sheet pan and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Step 4: To serve, allow Sloppy Joe to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Pour into a large skillet and cook over medium heat until warmed through.
Substitutions
- Bun - use gluten free buns instead of white bread buns to make this gluten free.
- Ground beef - can be subbed for ground turkey or chicken.
Variations
- Kid-friendly - eliminate red peppers
- Spicy - top your sloppy joe sandwich with a few jalapeños
- Deluxe - Whip up Simple Greek Yogurt Coleslaw and serve over the Sloppy Joe.
Storage
Refrigerator: Leftover Sloppy Joes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. I like to keep extras in the pan and pop on a lid. This makes reheating leftovers on the stovetop a breeze.
Freezer: Leftover Sloppy Joes can also be frozen in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. See directions above.
Top Tip
This Sloppy Joe Recipe freezes REALLY well. Make a double batch, serve it for dinner and freeze the leftovers. Your future self will thank you!
FAQ
Yes, that's why we call it Freezable Sloppy Joes! To freeze, allow Sloppy Joes to cool completely. Transfer to an air tight freezer-safe bag. Lay bag flat on a sheet pan and ensure that the mixture is spread out evenly. Freeze overnight. Remove sheet pan and store the sloppy joe for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen Sloppy Joes, remove the bag from the freezer and place into the refrigerator overnight (or allow to thaw on counter for 1-2 hours). Pour thawed Sloppy Joe into a large skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until warmed through.
Leftover Sloppy Joe is delicious on top of a baked potato, as a topping for nachos, or even rolled up with some coleslaw and cheddar in wrap form. If you want to keep things simple, just reheat it and serve on a toasted bun.
Watch How To Make Freezable Sloppy Joes
📖 Recipe
Freezable Sloppy Joes
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Easy Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Freezable Sloppy Joes are straight from your make-ahead meal dreams. 8-ingredients, 1 skillet and less than 30 minutes to prepare. Make a double batch, serve dinner and freeze the rest for later!
Ingredients
- 1 TBS olive oil
- 1 large red pepper, diced
- 1 lb of ground beef
- 1 TBS McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 2 TBS honey
- 1 TBS red wine vinegar
- 1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
- 2 TBS of tomato paste
- 6 Hamburger Buns
- OPTIONAL: Pickles, coleslaw and/or red onions for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and red peppers to the pan. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently.
- Add ground beef, steak seasoning and honey to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and combine all ingredients.
- When the meat has browned, add vinegar, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook mixture 10-15 minutes, or until desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve on toasted whole wheat buns. Optional toppings: pickles, onions and/or coleslaw.
Notes
How To Freeze: Allow Sloppy Joes: Cool completely. Transfer to an air tight freezer-safe bag. Lay bag flat on a sheet pan and ensure that the mixture is spread out evenly. Freeze overnight. Remove sheet pan and store the sloppy joe for up to 3 months.
How To Reheat Frozen Sloppy Joes: Remove the bag from the freezer and place into the refrigerator overnight (or allow to thaw on counter for 1-2 hours). Pour thawed Sloppy Joe into a large skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until warmed through.
Nissa
One of my favorites!!!
Andrea
This recipe is AMAZING. I skipped the red peppers, because my kids don't do veggies (maybe someday), but followed everything else as written! The whole family loved it, which is good, because there are frozen leftovers packaged and ready to go in the freezer!