Not So Sloppy Joe

All the comfort, none of the chaos

As a kid, I was never a fan of Sloppy Joes. I mean… who is Joe, why is he sloppy, and why does “sloppy” have to mean lacking flavor? The whole thing just never appealed to me. But recently, I was looking for something easy for Sunday meal prep — something filling, bite‑sized, and perfect for football season — and suddenly the idea of reinventing the Sloppy Joe didn’t seem so bad.

That’s how my Not So Sloppy Joe was born. This version is everything I always wished the original could be: flavorful, structured, and packed with personality. It combines bacon two ways, a bold BBQ sauce with a little bourbon kick, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls. It’s still fun and nostalgic, but with a grown‑up twist that makes every bite worth savoring.

A Faith‑Centered Reflection

When you look at a traditional Sloppy Joe, the words that come to mind are messy, unrefined, kid‑friendly, maybe even a little chaotic. And honestly, that’s how people sometimes view one another — making quick judgments based on what’s on the surface.

But Jesus sees us differently. He knows us fully and loves us completely. Where we might see “sloppy,” He sees refined. Where we see simple, He sees complex and beautifully made. Working on this recipe reminded me that with time, intention, and love, anything — and anyone — can become something more. We are all being shaped, transformed, and made new.

A Little Sloppy Joe History

The Sloppy Joe has been around for nearly a century, and its exact origin is still debated. One of the most popular stories points to a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa, who in the 1930s added tomato sauce to loose meat sandwiches — creating the saucy, messy classic we know today. From there, the Sloppy Joe spread across America, becoming a staple in school cafeterias, home kitchens, and casual weeknight dinners.

My version keeps the spirit of the original but brings a little more structure, a lot more flavor, and a whole new appreciation for what a Sloppy Joe can be.

Equipment

• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Small Sauce Pan
• Large skillet

Not So Sloppy Joe

Ingredients

For the meat mixture:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 6 slices thick‑cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• 6 slices thick‑cut bacon, raw and chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 small jalapenos
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (I chose Sweet Baby Rays original)
• 1/4 cup bourbon (optional, but adds depth, I used 4 Roses I had at home)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce/fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash salt free
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembling:

• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar

Instructions

1. In a small boiler add the Bourbon, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar on medium high heat to a simmer this is to cook out some of the alcohol to keep it form being too boozy. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If not trying to remove most of the alcohol skip this step and add all of the the above ingredients in with the browned meat in step 6.
2. Prepare your bacon strip first. Cook until crisp, then chop into small pieces. Set aside. Chop up the the other 6 strips to go in with the ground beef
3. In a large skillet on medium heat add the chopped bacon and let it render some fat.
4. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, chopped jalapenos, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Add the ground beef along with fish sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Mrs. Dash and pepper. Brown the meat mixture and remove any excess fat if there is a lot
6. Stir in the BBQ sauce mixture. Mix well so everything becomes glossy and coated.
7. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes. This helps the flavors deepen and the sauce thicken into that perfect “not so sloppy” consistency.
8. Slice your Hawaiian roll(s) that you plan on having in half top the bottom

Serving Suggestions

These Not So Sloppy Joes are already a crowd‑pleaser, but here are a few ways to make the meal feel even more fun and complete:

Perfect Pairings

• Crispy seasoned fries or sweet potato fries
• A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Pickle spears for a bright, crunchy contrast
• Coleslaw — creamy or vinegar‑based both work beautifully
• Corn on the cob for a summertime vibe, even in winter

Topping Ideas

• Extra chopped bacon
• Sliced jalapeños
• A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce
• Caramelized onions
• Pickled red onions for a pop of color and acidity

For Game Day

Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They hold up well and stay delicious even as they cool — perfect for football season.

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