Canning Sloppy Joe Recipe

Let’s can up this sloppy joe recipe!

It wasn’t long ago that I found myself standing in the grocery store aisle, looking for a Sloppy Joe sauce that didn’t contain high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, or other ingredients I wasn’t comfortable feeding my family.

As I stood there reading label after label, it became clear that most options were packed with additives that I just didn’t want in our meals.

That was the moment I decided to make my own Sloppy Joe filling from scratch—and it quickly became one of the most popular items we grab off our pantry shelf.

Now, canning homemade Sloppy Joe filling has become part of my regular food preservation routine.

Not only is it a quick meal on busy days, but it’s also a wholesome, healthier alternative to store-bought sauces.

This post will walk you through everything you need to know about canning Sloppy Joe filling, including a delicious recipe that features brown sugar for that perfect touch of sweetness, how to make your filling taste even better, and answers to common canning questions.

Why Canning Sloppy Joe Filling is a Pantry Staple

Sloppy Joe filling is one of those nostalgic, comforting meals that my family loves. By canning it at home, I know exactly what’s going into each jar—real ingredients without any unnecessary additives. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to have a ready-made meal that just needs to be reheated and served on a bun.

Canning this filling has saved me countless trips to the store and helps us stay prepared for busy days when we need a quick, hearty dinner. And let’s be honest, it’s a crowd-pleaser. There’s something about a rich, savory sauce with tender ground beef that everyone loves.

Is It Safe to Can Sloppy Joes?

If you’ve never canned meat before, you might wonder if it’s safe to can Sloppy Joe filling. The answer is yes—as long as you use a pressure canner. Since Sloppy Joe filling contains ground beef, which is a low-acid food, pressure canning is essential. It allows the filling to reach the high temperatures required to kill harmful bacteria, including Clostridium botulinum, which can thrive in low-acid environments.

You should never use a water bath canner for ground beef or any other low-acid foods. Pressure canning ensures your filling is safe for long-term storage, and following a trusted recipe is key to getting the best results. If you’re new to canning, be sure to familiarize yourself with the USDA’s guidelines for safe pressure canning.

Recipe: Homemade Sloppy Joe Filling for Canning

Here’s my tried-and-true recipe for Sloppy Joe filling that has become a staple in our pantry. The addition of brown sugar gives it just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy tomato base, creating a flavor the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

3 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup ketchup (all natural)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and tomato paste. Mix everything well to combine.
Season and Simmer: Add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Prepare for Canning: While the mixture is simmering, prepare your pressure canner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sterilize your jars and lids.
Fill the Jars: Once the filling has finished cooking, ladle the hot mixture into sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims, apply the lids, and screw on the bands until finger-tight.
Process in a Pressure Canner: Place the jars in the pressure canner and process at 10-11 PSI. Adjust for your altitude if necessary. Process pints for 75 minutes and quarts for 90 minutes.
Cool and Store: After the processing time is complete, allow the canner to depressurize naturally. Remove the jars and let them cool for 12-24 hours before checking the seals. Any jars that didn’t seal properly should be refrigerated and used within a week.

How Long Does Canned Sloppy Joe Filling Last?

Once properly pressure-canned, your homemade Sloppy Joe filling can last for 18 months to 2 years when stored in a cool, dark place. Canning is an excellent way to preserve your food for long-term storage, but always check for signs of spoilage before using any canned goods. Make sure the lids are sealed, there’s no rust or leakage, and the contents smell and look as expected.

It’s a good habit to label your jars with the date they were canned, so you can easily track when they should be used.

How Long Do You Pressure Can Cooked Ground Beef?

When pressure canning ground beef, you need to follow specific time and pressure guidelines to ensure safety. As mentioned earlier, for ground beef mixtures like Sloppy Joe filling, process pint jars for 75 minutes and quart jars for 90 minutes at 10-11 pounds of pressure.

If you live at a higher altitude (over 1,000 feet above sea level), you’ll need to adjust your pressure accordingly. Make sure to follow your canner’s manual for altitude adjustments to ensure your food is safely processed.

How to Make Your Canned Sloppy Joe Mix Taste Even Better

Even though this Sloppy Joe recipe is packed with flavor, you can always add some fresh elements when reheating to make it even more delicious:

Fresh Veggies: Toss in some freshly chopped onions, bell peppers, or even jalapeños to add a fresh crunch and extra flavor when you reheat the filling.
Spice It Up: Add a few extra dashes of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick. A little heat goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of Sloppy Joes.
Sweet and Tangy: If you like a sweeter or tangier Sloppy Joe, adjust the flavor by stirring in a tablespoon of molasses or a splash of apple cider vinegar when you reheat the mix.
Creamy Twist: For a creamier texture, mix in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving. It gives the filling a rich, velvety finish.

Why Homemade is Always Better

Canning my own Sloppy Joe filling wasn’t just a practical solution for avoiding unwanted preservatives—it became a way to ensure my family always has a healthy, delicious meal on hand.

The brown sugar in this recipe balances out the savory and tangy notes, making it a family favorite in our household.

Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned pro, I hope this guide helps you create a pantry staple your family will love just as much as mine does.

With a little planning and a pressure canner, you can enjoy the convenience of Sloppy Joes anytime, knowing exactly what’s in every jar.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this recipe, and share any tips you have for making your canned Sloppy Joe filling even more flavorful.

As always, you can find more canning recipes and food preservation tips right here on Naturally Jamie.