Sloppy Joes Seasoning Mix
Sloppy Joes are a beloved classic—tangy, savory, and satisfyingly messy. But if you’ve ever glanced at the ingredient list on a store-bought seasoning packet or canned sauce, you know they’re often loaded with preservatives, mystery ingredients, and far more sugar than necessary. Luckily, it’s easy to make your own homemade Sloppy Joe mix using pantry staples that you can feel good about feeding your family.
Ingredients
To make Dry Mix
- 6 tablespoons onion powder
- 4 tablespoons garlic powder
- 6 tablespoons paprika
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
To Make Sloppy Joes
- 1/3 cup dry mix
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup broth
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb meat or meatless substitute
Instructions
To Make Dry Mix:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Store the Seasoning. Use a funnel to transfer the seasoning mix into a clean, dry 16 oz pint jar or other airtight container. Label the jar and store it in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
To Make Sloppy Joes
- Brown 1 pound of ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sprinkle 1/3 cup of your homemade dry mix over the meat. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir to coat.
- Pour in 1 cup of broth (beef, chicken, or veggie) to the pan and stir well to deglaze the bottom and create the sauce base.
- Mix in 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns, sandwich rolls, or baked potatoes and enjoy a hearty, homemade meal.