Sloppy Joe Stew is an easy, savory weeknight stew recipe that your whole family will love. This hearty, beefy stew recipe has the classic flavors of a Sloppy Joe sandwich, without the bun!
A Hearty Stew Inspired By Sloppy Joes
I grew up in Texas, but my family’s kitchen was firmly planted in the Midwest. As a child of the 80s, I lived and breathed casseroles, meatloaf, and Sloppy Joes, those iconic hot sandwiches made from rich, seasoned ground beef in savory tomato-based sauce. Today’s Sloppy Joe stew recipe channels that dish into a delicious, thick, and cozy beef stew, without the bread! Of course, I’ll still serve crusty French bread or spoon bread on the side for dunking.
It’s a bit like chili or Brunswick stew, but with the distinct flavor we all know and love in a Sloppy Joe sandwich.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Stew
Here are the ingredients in this easy Sloppy Joe stew. Scroll to the recipe card for the exact measurements.
- Olive Oil – For sautéeing.
- Onion – Diced. I recommend yellow onion or shallot.
- Bell Pepper – I use green bell peppers, but any color will do.
- Ground Beef – Lean ground beef has a good balance of fat and flavor, so that’s what I use. It also keeps the stew from turning out too greasy.
- Garlic – If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute ¼ to ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 tablespoon of jarred minced garlic per clove.
- Beef Broth – Choose your favorite low-sodium beef stock or broth. Chicken stock will work, too, though the stew won’t have the same depth of flavor.
- Condensed Tomato Soup – My trick for big, savory tomato flavor!
- Worcestershire Sauce – You could also use soy sauce.
- Hot Sauce – This can be sriracha, Tabasco, or your preferred hot sauce. Feel free to omit it if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Canned Corn – Drain and rinse the canned corn before adding it to the soup.
- Paprika – Or cayenne for extra kick.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Stew
This Sloppy Joe stew recipe is so easy. You can make it in about an hour on your stovetop in a big pot or Dutch Oven. I’ve also provided slow cooker directions (great for making ahead!), so you can make your stew either way. These are the steps:
- Sauté. Sauté the onions and peppers, and then add the ground beef, garlic, and seasonings to cook.
- Make the broth. Add in some beef broth, tomato soup, Worcestershire, and hot sauce (optional!), and canned corn.
- Cook. Let it simmer for about an hour until it’s thick, and all the flavors are combined.
Slow Cooker Method
To make this Sloppy Joe stew in the slow cooker or Crock Pot, sauté the veggies and ground beef as directed. Then, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cover and cook for 3 hours on High, or 6 hours on Low.
More Ground Beef Recipes
Sloppy Joe Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: serves 8
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Dinner
Description
This Sloppy Joe stew recipe turns the favorite old-fashioned hot sandwich into a cozy, hearty beef stew. Perfect for cold weather and game day!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans Condensed Tomato Soup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 (15.25 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add in the diced onions and peppers cooking until the are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add in the ground beef, garlic, salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat,
- Add in the broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, soup, corn, and smoked paprika, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour uncovered, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors are combined.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Optional garnish ideas: Cilantro, sour cream, grated cheese, croutons, tortilla chips.
- Slow Cooker Option: Steps 1 & 2 remain the same. Transfer the meat mixture into a slow cooker, and add in the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or low for 6 hours.
- Store airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 8.6 g
- Sodium: 791.5 mg
- Fat: 8.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 19.9 g
- Protein: 27.9 g
- Cholesterol: 68.6 mg
This was so good! Thanks for sharing!
So glad you liked it!!
Made this for dinner last night in the slow cooker. Yummy, warm and simple! Thank you!
SO glad you liked it! I will be making another pot tomorrow!
You grew up in Texas? How did you end up in New Jersey?
I did! In Houston 🙂 But I met my husband and he is from NJ, so I moved. Hardest choice ever! haha!
This looks fantastic and I can’t wait to make this recipe for supper. Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us!