The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Sloppy Joe Side Dishes
Sloppy Joes – that classic, comforting, and deliciously messy sandwich – has been a beloved family favorite for generations. With its savory, saucy ground beef piled high on a soft bun, it’s a meal that truly hits the spot. But what truly elevates a Sloppy Joe night from good to unforgettable? The perfect supporting cast of side dishes! Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, a lively potluck, or a summer barbecue, choosing the right accompaniments can transform your meal. This comprehensive guide will help you discover a variety of easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing sides that perfectly complement the rich, tangy flavors of Sloppy Joes.
Unpacking the Classic Sloppy Joe Sandwich
What Exactly Are Sloppy Joes?
The Sloppy Joe is a quintessential American dish, celebrated for its simplicity and hearty flavor. At its core, it’s a sandwich featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, typically served on a hamburger bun. While a basic version might involve just ground meat and a canned sauce, homemade variations often incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, and a carefully balanced blend of flavor enhancers. Ingredients like vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard contribute to its distinctive profile, creating a symphony of sweet, savory, and zesty notes that make it so irresistible. This dish has been a staple at dinner tables and potlucks for nearly a century, reflecting its enduring popularity and comforting appeal.
A Brief History: When Were Sloppy Joes Invented?
The origins of the Sloppy Joe sandwich are shrouded in a bit of culinary mystery, with several fascinating stories vying for credit. Food historians and enthusiasts alike have debated its exact birthplace, but a few prominent theories stand out. One popular narrative points to a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa, who, around 1930, is said to have spiced up the local “loose meat sandwich” by adding tomato sauce. This innovation allegedly led to the creation of the Sloppy Joe we know today. Other accounts suggest origins in more exotic locales, such as a Key West, Florida, restaurant or even a bar in Havana, Cuba, both famously bearing the “Sloppy Joe” name on their menus. Regardless of its precise inception, the Sloppy Joe quickly became a beloved fixture in American cuisine, particularly as ground meat dishes like meatloaf and spaghetti with meatballs gained widespread popularity in the post-Industrial Revolution era.
Can You Freeze Sloppy Joes for Later?
Absolutely! Sloppy Joes are an excellent candidate for meal prep and freezing, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish whenever a craving strikes. For optimal results, ensure the cooked filling is completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Properly stored, it can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost the filling in the refrigerator overnight or directly on the stovetop over low heat. As it thaws, you might need to add small amounts of water or broth to help restore its original consistency and prevent it from drying out. According to the USDA, any previously frozen leftovers can be safely refrozen, provided they are reheated to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as measured with a food thermometer, before being consumed again. This makes Sloppy Joes incredibly convenient for busy households.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit your leftovers to just sandwiches! Transform any extra Sloppy Joe filling into exciting new meals like Sloppy Joe grilled cheese sandwiches for a cheesy twist, or create a hearty loaded tater tot casserole for an ultimate comfort food experience!
Essential Sides for Sloppy Joes: Crowd-Pleasing Pairings
Whether you’re reminiscing about a childhood Sloppy Joe or introducing this classic to a new generation, the right side dish can make all the difference. From crispy and crunchy to creamy and fresh, we’ve curated a list of the best side dishes that perfectly complement the savory, tangy, and slightly sweet profile of your favorite meaty sandwich. These options range from quick and easy to more elaborate, ensuring there’s something for every taste and occasion. Simple, quick side dishes that always work include tater tots, potato wedges, sweet potato fries, onion rings, French fries, crisp dill pickles, or classic potato chips. Now, let’s dive into some of our absolute favorite, hand-picked side dishes to serve with Sloppy Joes!
Crockpot Garlic Potatoes
These incredibly easy slow-cooker potatoes offer a delightful balance for your Sloppy Joes. Their rich garlic flavor, whether from fresh, jarred, or powdered garlic, is robust enough to be satisfying on its own, yet mild enough not to overpower the main dish. The creamy texture of these tender potatoes provides a wonderful contrast to the hearty, saucy Sloppy Joe filling. For an extra layer of flavor and indulgence, consider stirring in some grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of thyme, or a dash of oregano to give them an aromatic, herby, and cheesy kick. They’re a set-it-and-forget-it side that always impresses!
Kool-Aid Pickles
Dive into a unique taste sensation with “koolickles,” a quirky yet beloved Southern treat that brings together two seemingly disparate ingredients: dill pickles and Kool-Aid. This unexpected pairing results in a truly memorable sweet-tart and slightly briny flavor profile that will surprise and delight your taste buds. As the dill pickle spears marinate in the sugary, colorful Kool-Aid mixture, the flavor intensifies, creating a vibrant snack or side. While we often use cherry Kool-Aid for its beautiful hue and fruity tang, feel free to experiment with any flavor you prefer to customize your koolickles. They add a fun, zesty contrast to a savory Sloppy Joe.
Kale Apple Potato Salad
This potluck-perfect salad is a vibrant symphony of fresh, sweet, and savory notes, offering a delightful crunch from crisp apples and tender potatoes. It’s an ideal side to balance the richness of Sloppy Joes. The key to its creamy texture is Miracle Whip, a versatile staple that binds all the ingredients together with a light tanginess. With only about 20 minutes of prep time, this salad is incredibly easy to assemble; the hardest part is waiting for it to chill and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Its refreshing profile and diverse textures make it a standout addition to any meal.
Broccoli Casserole
Bring a touch of creamy indulgence to your Sloppy Joe meal with this satisfying broccoli casserole. Its rich, cheesy base and tender broccoli florets offer a comforting contrast to the tangy meat. To make it a more substantial side, consider stirring in a cup of cooked rice. For added visual appeal and a subtle flavor variation, you can swap out half the broccoli for an equal portion of cauliflower. This casserole is also wonderfully versatile: any leftover diced turkey or shredded chicken can be easily incorporated, transforming it into a quick and easy light meal on its own. It’s a perfect addition for holidays or any family dinner.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
For guests with dietary restrictions or simply those looking for a flavorful vegetable option, these vegetarian buffalo cauliflower bites are an absolute winner. Cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, they offer all the zesty, spicy kick of traditional buffalo wings without the meat. This vibrant side dish provides a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to the hearty Sloppy Joes. Serve them with a side of cooling blue cheese dressing and crisp celery sticks to complete the classic buffalo experience. It’s a delicious way to ensure everyone has a fantastic option on Sloppy Joe night.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Discover the magic of your air fryer for creating perfectly fluffy baked potatoes with wonderfully crispy skins. This method is a game-changer for achieving that ideal baked potato texture with minimal effort. Our detailed how-to guide provides a step-by-step picture walkthrough, essential tips for cooking the perfect spud, and a wealth of topping suggestions to customize your potato. A warm, fully loaded baked potato makes a fantastic, hearty side dish for Sloppy Joes, absorbing the rich sauce beautifully. Plus, your air fryer isn’t just for whole potatoes – it can also effortlessly churn out amazing scratch-made potato wedges!
Kidney Bean Salad
This vibrant, purple and green kidney bean salad holds a special place in our family, hailing from Alabama courtesy of John’s nephew, Nathan. It’s a true Southern classic that quickly became a hit after he shared it with us during a summer visit. Since then, this delightful salad has garnered rave reviews at countless potlucks, holiday gatherings, and summer barbecues, proving its universal appeal. Its fresh, zesty flavors and satisfying texture provide a wonderful counterpoint to the rich and hearty Sloppy Joes. We particularly love to garnish this delicious side dish with slices of hard-boiled eggs, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of protein.
Crock Pot Candied Sweet Potatoes
Introduce a touch of sweet indulgence to your Sloppy Joe meal with these delightful candied sweet potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection in your Crock Pot. Prepared with classic baking essentials like vanilla extract, sugar, and nutmeg, this holiday-favorite side dish offers a dessert-like profile that beautifully balances the savory richness of Sloppy Joes. The gentle heat of the slow cooker transforms humble sweet potatoes into tender, flavorful morsels infused with warm spices and a sweet glaze. We recommend using kitchen tongs to easily transfer the delicate, tender potatoes from the Crock Pot to your serving dish, ensuring they remain intact and beautiful.
Hawaiian Mac Salad
Ever since my first summer internship in the Hawaiian Islands, this vibrant culture has held a special place in my heart, and this Aloha-style macaroni salad is a delicious embodiment of that affection. Hawaiian Mac Salad is an absolute must-have on any authentic Hawaiian lunch plate, typically accompanying two generous scoops of white rice and a flavorful meat entrée such as Kalua pork, teriyaki beef, chicken, or crispy chicken katsu. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile provides a refreshing and hearty contrast to the rich Sloppy Joe, making it an excellent and unique choice for your meal. It’s a side dish that transports you straight to the islands with every bite.
Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potato
Indulge in a copycat version of the famous Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potato, bursting with melty mini marshmallows, warm brown sugar, and a generous drizzle of honey, all complemented by our special Texas Roadhouse Butter recipe. This sweet and decadent side offers a delightful counterpoint to the savory Sloppy Joes. If you’re hosting a vegan Sloppy Joe night, simply swap the butter and honey in both recipes for plant-based margarine and a vegan sweetener. When preparing the caramel sauce, keep a close eye on it to ensure it caramelizes beautifully without burning. For those who prefer a more classic potato side, our Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes offer an equally satisfying and creamy option.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Enjoy the sweet, smoky flavor of roasted corn without the need for an outdoor grill, thanks to this brilliant air fryer hack! While grilled corn is undeniably delicious, it’s not always feasible depending on your living situation. This air fryer method brings the beloved summer staple within arm’s reach, as long as you have the counter space for the appliance. It delivers perfectly cooked corn on the cob with a slight char, making it a fantastic and convenient side dish for Sloppy Joes. Best of all, it frees up precious oven space, making meal prep a breeze, especially during busy family dinners or gatherings.
Funeral Potatoes
Known affectionately as “party potatoes” or “funeral potatoes,” this cheesy hash brown casserole is a comforting and delightful pairing for Sloppy Joes. Its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors are incredibly satisfying. The secret to its extra creamy indulgence is a dollop of Cool Whip, which adds a unique fluffiness, while a crunchy cornflake topping provides a pleasant textural contrast. This make-ahead casserole is perfect for entertaining, as it can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and cheer to any meal, from family dinners to potlucks.
Cracker Barrel Carrots
A hearty, meaty dish like Sloppy Joes always benefits from a nutritious side of vegetables, and these copycat Cracker Barrel Carrots are an ideal choice. These tender, fork-able carrots are cooked to perfection with brown sugar and a hint of butter, infusing them with a delightful sweetness and a comforting warmth. Their gentle sweetness and soft texture provide a lovely balance to the bold and tangy flavors of the Sloppy Joe filling. They’re simple to make yet incredibly flavorful, making them a perfect addition to any family meal. Don’t forget to explore all of our other favorite carrot recipes for every occasion!
Crockpot Bourbon Baked Beans
These slow-cooked bourbon baked beans are a guaranteed hit at any party or barbecue, offering a deep, smoky, and complex flavor that pairs wonderfully with Sloppy Joes. To ensure safe transport to your next gathering, we highly recommend using a Crock Pot with a latching lid. While this flavorful side boasts a rich array of ingredients, the beauty of Crock Pot cooking means you simply toss everything in, set the timer, and let the magic happen. Although our recipe traditionally calls for Jim Beam Bourbon, feel free to use any quality bourbon you enjoy – the results will be fantastic regardless. The slight sweetness and warmth from the bourbon add an incredible depth that truly elevates this classic side.
Crock Pot Mashed Cauliflower
For a health-conscious yet incredibly satisfying alternative to mashed potatoes, look no further than our Loaded Crock Pot Mashed Cauliflower. Cauliflower is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with vitamin C, fiber, and beneficial phytochemicals. This recipe brilliantly captures all the comforting, savory flavors of loaded mashed potatoes, making it easy to forget you’re enjoying a lower-carb option. We add crispy bacon for a hearty touch, but it can be easily omitted or replaced with a plant-based substitute to accommodate vegetarian guests. Cooked in the Crock Pot, it’s a wonderfully convenient and delicious side that complements Sloppy Joes perfectly, providing a creamy, flavorful counterpoint.
Broccoli Slaw
A fresh, crunchy slaw is an ideal accompaniment to any heavier, richer dish, and this vibrant broccoli slaw is no exception! It’s a fantastic way to liven up Sloppy Joe night by swapping out traditional cabbage for crisp, shredded broccoli stalks. This delightful slaw features a medley of shredded vegetables, sweet apple bites, delicate slivered almonds, and sharp crumbled blue cheese, all tossed in a lightly acidic and tangy dressing. The combination of textures and flavors provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty Sloppy Joe. Be sure to use a large mixing bowl to ensure you have ample space to thoroughly toss all the ingredients, distributing the dressing evenly for maximum flavor.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors, making it a perfect light and refreshing side dish for Sloppy Joes. It artfully combines juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tender pasta, all brought together with a light, zesty dressing. This salad offers a beautiful contrast to the savory and rich Sloppy Joe, providing a bright and herbaceous counterpoint. We particularly love serving this as a delicious vegetarian option, ensuring that all guests, even those choosing to skip the meat, have a delightful and satisfying dish to enjoy. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with classic Italian-inspired taste.
Crockpot Mac & Cheese
Few things pair as harmoniously with a hearty meat dish like Sloppy Joes as a rich, creamy, and gloriously cheesy mac and cheese. This Crock Pot Mac & Cheese recipe holds a special place in our hearts as one of the very first recipes we ever shared on our blog, marking the early days of our journey as food bloggers. It’s a vegetarian Crock Pot recipe for America’s favorite cheese dish, perfected over time. Since then, we’ve been incredibly grateful to share over 250 slow cooker recipes with our loyal readers. John often notes that this particular mac and cheese reminds him of spaetzle, a simple and comforting egg noodle dish popular in Germany and Austria, highlighting its comforting and rustic appeal.
Greek Cucumber Salad
Inspired by the breathtaking Greek Isles, this bright, briny, and incredibly refreshing summer salad is a quick and easy side dish that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your Sloppy Joe meal. What makes it unique is its delightful crunch and the fact that it’s completely lettuce-free, offering a welcome change of pace if your usual salads rely heavily on leafy greens. It’s naturally vegetarian-friendly, providing a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the rich meat. For an added boost of protein, you can easily toss in some grilled chicken, making it a more substantial option. This salad is perfect for warm weather and offers a vibrant, tangy cleanse for the palate.
Sauerkraut Salad
For a unique and zesty side, this sauerkraut salad is an excellent choice that offers a delightful tang to balance the richness of Sloppy Joes. Since it utilizes pre-made sauerkraut, the most challenging part of this recipe is simply prepping the fresh vegetables. Unlike many salads, this make-ahead dish actually improves with time; we highly recommend letting it rest for a few hours before serving. This allows all the flavors to thoroughly mix and mingle, deepening the overall taste experience. It’s a surprisingly refreshing and incredibly versatile salad, perfect for summer barbecues, warm-weather gatherings, and, of course, a festive Oktoberfest celebration!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Achieve perfectly crispy, roasted Brussels sprouts without ever needing to turn on your oven and heat up your entire kitchen, thanks to this brilliant air fryer guide! With just salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a neutral cooking oil, you can transform these humble veggies into a delicious and healthy side. The air fryer ensures a fantastic texture – tender on the inside and beautifully crisp on the outside. While our basic seasoning works wonders, feel free to customize yours with as many or as few seasonings as you like. These easy-to-prepare, non-deep-fried Brussels sprouts are a fantastic vegetable side dish that pairs wonderfully with Sloppy Joes, adding a touch of healthy green goodness to your meal.
Black Eyed Pea Salad
Black-eyed peas are traditionally associated with good fortune and prosperity when eaten on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, and this hearty black-eyed pea salad brings that same sense of comfort and goodness to your table year-round. This belly-filling side comes together incredibly quickly, in just about twelve minutes, primarily using convenient pantry staples. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture make it a wonderful companion to the savory Sloppy Joe. My husband, John, particularly enjoys adding a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the spice level, which provides an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the Sloppy Joe. It’s a truly versatile and flavorful addition to any meal.
Crockpot Corn Pudding
This slow-cooked corn casserole, or corn pudding, is a comforting and creamy side dish that’s perfect for any busy occasion, especially during the holidays. It requires only a few simple ingredients: fresh or frozen corn, eggs, white sugar, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. The Crock Pot does all the hard work, slowly baking these ingredients into a wonderfully sweet and savory pudding. To ensure easy transfer and cleanup, we highly recommend using a non-stick cooking spray on the inside of your Crock Pot before adding the ingredients. Its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor provide a soothing contrast to the bold flavors of Sloppy Joes, making it a family favorite.
Watermelon Salad
On a hot summer day, nothing beats the refreshing taste of this unique and vibrant fruit-based salad. It’s a delightful surprise that’s ready to charm any summer barbecue crowd with its unexpected yet harmonious flavor combination. This elegant salad comes together effortlessly with just three key ingredients: juicy watermelon cubes, delicate shavings of Pecorino Romano cheese, and a luscious balsamic glaze. The sweetness of the watermelon, the salty tang of the cheese, and the rich depth of the balsamic create a truly captivating experience. Its cooling and sweet-savory profile pairs incredibly well with the hearty and warm Sloppy Joes, offering a light, invigorating contrast. Love the balsamic glaze? It’s also a star in our Caprese Salad Recipe!
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Green beans are a timeless and natural pairing for savory meat dishes, making this cozy green bean casserole an excellent choice to serve alongside your Sloppy Joes. This beloved holiday classic achieves its signature creaminess from a can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup, providing a rich and familiar base. A subtle dash of soy sauce adds an extra layer of umami, deepening its savory profile. Topped with crispy fried onions, this casserole offers delightful textural contrast and a comforting flavor that complements the tangy and robust Sloppy Joe. It’s a classic for a reason – easy to make and always a family favorite.
Black Bean & Corn Salad
This fresh Southwestern black bean and corn salad is a budget-friendly and vibrant side dish that comes together quickly, primarily using shelf-stable pantry staples. Its robust and zesty flavors make it an ideal accompaniment for anything equally bold and flavorful, such as a hearty Sloppy Joe entrée. This salad is also wonderfully versatile and can even be prepared outdoors, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, and summer gatherings. The combination of tender black beans, sweet corn, and a zesty dressing provides a refreshing contrast and a burst of flavor that beautifully complements the rich, savory Sloppy Joes. We truly hope you enjoy these delicious sides and find the perfect dish to complete your Sloppy Joe meal!
Sweet Endings: Desserts to Serve with Sloppy Joes
After enjoying the hearty and savory goodness of Sloppy Joes, a sweet dessert provides the perfect contrast and a satisfying conclusion to your meal. Here are some of our favorite desserts that pair wonderfully with Sloppy Joe nights, offering a delightful treat for everyone:
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Warm and comforting Apple Cobbler
- Indulgent S’mores Brownies
- Light and refreshing Fruit Salad
- Creamy and dreamy Dreamsicle Salad
- Tangy and sweet Lemon Icebox Pie
Refreshing Sips: Drinks to Serve with Sloppy Joes
A great meal is always made better with the right beverage. To complement the rich flavors of Sloppy Joes, consider serving these refreshing drinks that cut through the savoriness and cleanse the palate:
- Classic Chick-fil-A Lemonade
- Cool and fizzy Coke Slushie
- Creamy and delightful Frosted Lemonade
- Fun and fruity Kool-Aid Slushies
- Light and invigorating Watermelon Aqua Fresca
- Exotic and tangy Passion Tea Lemonade
Helpful Recipe Tips for Your Culinary Adventures
For detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and specific measurements, printable recipe cards are conveniently available within each individual recipe post. Simply click on the links provided for each side dish to access the full guide.
Please note that nutrition information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, will vary significantly depending on the exact products and brands used in your preparation. We recommend consulting the individual recipe pages for more specific nutritional details or using a reliable nutrition calculator with your chosen ingredients.
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