Not Your Average Joe – Sloppy Joes!

 This is one of my favorite ways to make sloppy joes, beginning with simple ingredients and taking that delicious canned sauce up a notch. One bite and you’ll never look at that can the same again. The first time I made these (right after I got married over two decades ago), my husband took one bite and his eyes got really big, then he took another, and his eyes got even bigger. They were almost inhaled after that. I’ve found the same reaction whenever I serve them so watch your family for those bulging eyes and you’ll know you’ve got a winner!

You’ll need: Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce*, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, French Fried Onions, and browned ground beef.

Now you know I normally don’t get specific with brands but I have to stick by my Manwich sloppy joe sauce. I have tried several generics and they don’t even come close (some are quite horrid!). I really suggest you get this kind, unless you already have a favorite out there.

Brown your ground beef in a large skillet and drain off any grease. I am using two pounds, even though the can says to use one pound. Add sloppy joe sauce….

Then add 1 Cup of cheddar and 1 cup of French Fried Onions.

Stir that all up and make sure it is heated through.

Now we need to toast our buns! I just put mine in a skillet and turn the heat on medium high. After a minute or so flip them over. Toasted buns make the BEST sloppy joes!!!

For my fries, I prefer crinkle cut and usually get name brand if they aren’t too outrageously priced. I like to bake mine but if you have an air fryer you may prefer that. If you’re baking, lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Sprinkle liberally with seasoned salt. 

I bake these at 425 for about 20 minutes or so, stirring once, until they are lightly browned on the edges.

Put your sloppy joe mixture on the toasted bun and top with more french fried onions. This little crunch and flavor is so good with sloppy joes!

Serve with lots of ketchup and sweet tea!

Not Your Average Joes

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs Ground beef browned and drained
• 15 oz can Manwich sloppy joe sauce
• 2 cups french fried onions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pack hamburger buns

Instructions

• Brown ground beef in large skillet, drain off any grease. To cooked ground beef, add sloppy joe sauce, cheese, and 1 cup french fried onions. Stir and heat until bubbly.
• Toast buns and top with sloppy joe meat. Sprinkle more onions on top. Serve with fries. Makes about eight sloppy joes.

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I originally published this recipe in 2009 and updated the photos and post in 2020.