By Wendy Stoltz and Hristina Polk / Last Modified On March 21, 2023

 Gluten-free Sloppy Joes are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic American favorite but with no gluten! These Sloppy Joes are perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful meal with a tangy, savory taste and juicy texture. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy and is ideal for picnics, potlucks, and casual family dinners.

What are Sloppy Joes? Sloppy Joes are a classic American sandwich with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, tomato sauce or ketchup, and spices served on a hamburger bun. The dish has been called "sloppy" because the filling is loose and tends to spill out of the bun when you eat it, making it a messy but delicious meal. They are often served at picnics, potlucks, and casual family dinners.

If you want more beef recipes, this gluten-free hamburger helper is excellent and easy. This gluten-free Mongolian beef is also so tasty with tender sirloin beef.

Learn to cook delicious gluten-free meals with confidence, thanks to Udemy's expert instructors!

Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes Recipe

Our family loves a good gluten-free Sloppy Joe's recipe, aka this one. It is an easy meal to put together, and I enjoy making it for when I know my extended family is coming over. It is fun to make and fun to serve. I like to place a station together where everyone can build their gluten-free Sloppy Joes according to what they want. The toppings are everything to making this dish fun.

This dish also works well for meal prep. You can make it 2-3 days in advance and eat it when you know you will be short on time. It also freezes really well, so perhaps consider making more to have a freezer meal.

Follow along for the easy steps to making this mouthwatering gluten-free Sloppy Joe's recipe.

Why You're Going to Love These Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes

Quick and easy meal - Sloppy Joes are served as a quick and easy meal that can be made with simple ingredients and prepared in under 30 minutes.

Feed a crowd - GF Sloppy Joes are perfect for feeding a crowd for picnics, Potlucks, and casual family dinners.

So flavourful - These GF Sloppy Joes are so flavorful thanks to the mix of spices. Feel free to experiment.

Perfect for meal prep - You can make this dish 2-3 days ahead of time as it stores well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes

Beef - Use 1 lb of ground beef.

Oil - I have used 2 tbsp olive oil.

Onion - ½ Onion that is chopped.

Bell pepper - Use ½ a red bell pepper that's been chopped for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Tomato - Use both a can of diced tomato and tomato paste. The tomato paste helps thicken the sauce.

Seasoning - I like to use the following seasoning to add flavor to the dish - 1 tsp Chili Powder, 1 tbsp Garlic, minced, 1 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp Salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.

Bread - Make your gluten-free hamburger buns with this recipe. 

Optional toppings - Cheddar cheese and/or chopped green onions for serving.

Equipment Needed for These Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes

Mixing bowls - These Pyrex mixing bowls are handy.

Skillet -I prefer to cook with a non-stick skillet.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle with the oil and add the beef. Season with salt and pepper and cook until cooked through and you don't see pink anymore.
2. Add the onion and red bell pepper and stir to combine. Cook for additional several minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the canned tomato, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an extra minute or two until everything is well combined and cooked. TIP: You can simmer it for longer if you have the time.
4. Remove from the heat and serve over the gluten-free buns. TIP: Don't forget to toast your buns!

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes

Toast your gluten-free hamburger buns - Toasting the buns takes these GF Sloppy Joes to the next level.

Adjust the seasoning - Everyone enjoys seasoning according to their taste, so taste the GF Sloppy Joe and adjust it to your liking.

Simmer it - If you want to enhance the flavors more, feel free to simmer it for a bit longer.

Add toppings - Toppings like cheese and chopped green onions add more flavor to this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes?

Store the GF Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes?

Yes, you can. It freezes really well. Place it in an airtight container or Ziplock bag and label it with the date. It freezes well for up to 3 months.

Can You Make This Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can. It can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for 3 months.

What Kind Of Meat Is Best For This GF Sloppy Joe Recipe?

The best meat for sloppy joes is ground beef, specifically lean ground beef, with around 90% lean meat and 10% fat. The reason for using lean ground beef is that it will produce less grease or oil in the dish, making it healthier and less messy to eat. But this does come down to personal preference.

Depending on your preferences, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Again, remember that the dish's flavor and texture may vary depending on the type of meat you use.

What Gluten-Free Buns Can You Use With Your Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes?

You can use store-bought like Trader Joe's gluten-free buns if you are short on time, or else why not make my gluten-free hamburger buns?

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in These Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes?

Ground beef - As mentioned above, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork.

Vegetarian or vegan - Sub the ground beef for a vegetable protein like lentils.

Spices - Feel free to experiment with your spices.

Other toppings - Use avocado, salsa, or some diced tomatoes.

Dairy Free - Make sure the bread you use is dairy-free, and also use dairy-free cheese.

 Did you make this Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes recipe? Please leave me a comment below, letting me know what you think.