Sloppy Joes with Spicy Crispy Onions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a childhood classic and makes it even better. The beef mixture is savory, tangy, and just a little sweet, while the crispy onions add crunch and spice. I also like how customizable it is—sometimes I make it extra spicy, sometimes I keep it mild, but it always tastes amazing. These sandwiches are perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or game day.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For the Sloppy Joes:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (90–95% fat)
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped (seeds and ribs removed)
3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons Montreal Steak Seasoning (low-sodium)
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
15 ounce can tomato sauce
5 tablespoons tomato paste (3 ounces)
6 toasted buns or rolls, for serving

For the spicy, crispy onions:
1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia), halved and thinly sliced
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

To make the Sloppy Joes:

1. I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil, and swirl to coat.

2. I add the ground beef and cook, stirring often, until no pink remains.

3. I stir in the onion and red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

4. I add brown sugar, seasoning, cayenne, garlic powder, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

5. I bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently.

To make the crispy onions:

1. I place the sliced onions in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them.

2. In another bowl, I mix flour, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

3. I line a platter with paper towels.

4. I heat oil in a deep saucepan to 375°F.

5. I drain a handful of onions slightly, toss them in the flour mixture, shake off the excess, and carefully add them to the hot oil.

6. I fry until browned and crispy, about 2 minutes, then transfer them to the paper towels. I repeat until all onions are fried.

To serve:

I spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted buns and pile crispy onions on top. I serve immediately while hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 hearty sandwiches. Prep time is 30 minutes, cook time is 30 minutes, giving a total of 1 hour.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For extra flavor, I add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the sauce. If I want a quicker meal, I skip the crispy onions and use store-bought fried onions. For a sweeter twist, I use yellow bell peppers instead of red.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 30 days. To reheat, I simmer it on the stove over medium heat until hot. The crispy onions are best fresh, but I re-crisp them in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and reheat it before serving.

Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe filling?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 30 days. I thaw it overnight before reheating.

Do I have to make the crispy onions?

No, but I think they add amazing crunch and flavor. Store-bought crispy onions work too.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, it works just as well, though the flavor is slightly lighter.

How spicy are the onions?

That depends on how much cayenne I add. I keep them mild or go bold depending on my mood.

Can I cook the onions in an air fryer?

Yes, I coat them lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F until golden and crispy.

What’s the best bread to use?

I like using sturdy sandwich rolls or brioche buns so they hold up to the saucy filling.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely—melted cheddar or provolone on top is delicious.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

I always toast them first, which makes a big difference.

What side dishes go well with this?

I usually serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joes with Spicy Crispy Onions are a fun, hearty twist on the classic sandwich. The saucy, flavorful beef paired with the crunch of fried onions makes every bite satisfying. It’s messy, indulgent, and always a hit at the table—perfect for when I want comfort food with a kick.