What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
Sloppy Joes for 100
- add review
- #7094
Need to serve a large group (or a gaggle of teenagers)? These sloppy joes are tasty AND easy to make and work well made in a large batch. The recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. It also freezes well.
serves/makes:
ready in:
2-5 hrs
2-5 hrs
10 reviews
ingredients
20 pounds ground beef
4 large onions, chopped
4 large green bell peppers, chopped
4 cups celery, chopped
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup spicy brown mustard
4 cups ketchup
2 cans (12 ounce size) tomato paste
4 cans (15 ounce size) tomato sauce
6 cups water
1 cup vinegar
2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
100 hamburger buns
directions
Combine the beef, onions, bell peppers, and celery in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are soft. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef. Mix well. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, cover, and let cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick. If the sauce becomes too dry, add additional water.
When ready to serve, spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve immediately.
The sloppy joe sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated.
recipe tips
Use a large pot or Dutch oven to accommodate the large quantity of ingredients.
Stir the mixture frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and burning.
Adjust the seasonings to taste, especially if you're making substitutions.
Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of grease you need to pour off.
Try adding other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition.
To add a smoky flavor, include a bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
If serving to kids, you can make the mixture less spicy by reducing the mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
For serving, keep the mixture warm in a large slow cooker or chafing dish.
Offer a variety of buns, including whole wheat and gluten-free options, to cater to different dietary needs.
Garnish with cheese, pickles, or jalapenos as desired.
common recipe questions
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based meat substitute or lentils.
Is there a substitute for spicy brown mustard?
You can use yellow mustard or Dijon mustard as a substitute.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but it may alter the final taste slightly. You can also use a low-sugar ketchup to reduce the sweetness.
What can I use instead of ketchup in the recipe?
You can use tomato sauce with a bit of added sugar and vinegar to replicate the tangy taste of ketchup.
How do I store and reheat the sloppy joe mixture?
Cool the mixture completely then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove or in a microwave.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, the sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Cool completely then store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
How long will the mixture last in the freezer?
Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
What are some side dishes to serve with sloppy joes?
Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, french fries, or a green salad.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the meat and vegetables, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker (or multiple slow cookers as needed) and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What is the best way to serve these sloppy joes to a crowd?
The best/easiest way is to use an assembly line approach. Have the buns put on a plate, then use a scoop to measure out the sloppy joe mix onto the bun. Have the toppings and sides available for people to serve themselves.
tools needed
Large Dutch Oven: For cooking the ground beef and other ingredients. A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for even heat distribution.
Measuring Cups: For measuring out ingredients such as the brown sugar, celery, ketchup, and vinegar.
Large Spoon or Ladle: For stirring the mixture while it cooks and for serving the sloppy joes onto hamburger buns.
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For preparing the onions, green bell peppers, and celery in preparation for cooking.
Colander: To drain any excess grease from the cooked meat mixture.
Aluminum Foil or a Lid: To cover the Dutch oven while the mixture simmers.
what goes with it?
Hot Potato Salad: This hot potato salad for 100 makes a perfect sidekick to sloppy joes, combining the sweetness of sugar and tang from vinegar with tender potatoes. The dish cuts through the rich, savory flavors of the sloppy joes, creating a balanced plate.
Baked Beans: By serving baked beans alongside sloppy joes, you're adding a familiar comfort food that appeals to everyone. The beans are filling and nutritious, rounding out the meal.
Mediterranean Salad: The zesty Italian dressing in the mediterranean salad can cut through the sweetness and richness of the sloppy joe sauce. This combination offers a counterbalance, preventing the meal from feeling overly heavy.
Creamy Baked Scalloped Potatoes: In a casual gathering with sloppy joes, these creamy baked scalloped potatoes boost the dining experience. The rich, creamy profile of the potatoes serves as a delightful backdrop to the meaty, tomatoey goodness of the sloppy joes, making it an ideal pairing for a large crowd.
Cucumber Salad: With its creamy texture and zesty notes, this cucumber salad complements the bold flavors of sloppy joes quite well. The freshness of the cucumbers and onions offers a nice texture that brightens the overall meal.
The Big Punch: This refreshing crowd-sized punch serves as the perfect contrast to the hearty flavors of the sloppy joes. The fruity citrus elements bring brightness and balance that helps cut through the richness of the meat and sauce.
Peach Dessert: Finishing off a meal of sloppy joes with a peach dessert adds a juicy, sweet note to counterbalance the savory richness of the sandwiches.
Relish Tray: With an assortment of marinated vegetables and pickled items, a relish tray offers a fun way to add some crunch and acidity. It complements the comfort food vibe of sloppy joes while making sure that there's something light and zesty to enjoy in between bites.
Seven Layer Salad: As a make-ahead dish, the seven layer salad for a crowd can be prepped in advance, allowing you to focus on serving your guests. Its layered structure adds visual appeal while offering a refreshing bite, making it a practical and tasty companion to the messy yet delightful sloppy joes.
Quick Fruit Salad: This quick fruit salad adds a burst of color to your table, which can brighten up a casual gathering. The mix of textures from the grapes and bananas, combined with the syrupy sweetness of the peach pie filling and pineapple chunks, offers a nice counterpoint to the robust flavors of the sloppy joes.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Zinfandel: This wine's bold, fruity character with notes of blackberry and cherry makes it a great match for the savory and slightly sweet elements of sloppy joes. Look for one with a juicy finish to complement the dish's overall flavor.
Malbec: With its dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice, a Malbec can stand up to the rich ground beef and the tangy sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
Shiraz: A spicy Shiraz, full of dark berry flavors, will go nicely with the hearty meat and the sweetness from the brown sugar and ketchup. Look for one with a bit of peppery depth.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Amber Ale: An amber ale's mild maltiness and slight caramel notes go well with the sweetness of the sauce. The balanced bitterness will add depth without overpowering the meal.
Bourbon: A bourbon with vanilla and caramel notes complements the rich flavors of your sloppy joes. Try it neat or mixed in a cocktail; either way, it'll add a warming, sophisticated element to the meal.
Pale Ale: A hoppy pale ale can provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich, savory notes in the sloppy joes. Look for one that isn't too bitter.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Root Beer: The sweet, spicy flavors of root beer can really enhance the overall experience of eating sloppy joes. It's a fun, nostalgic drink that balances the richness nicely.
Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, pairs wonderfully by providing a light, cooling effect alongside the hearty sandwich. Feel free to add a slice of lemon for an extra zing.
nutrition data
396 calories, 21 grams fat, 30 grams carbohydrates, 21 grams protein per serving.
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.
see more cooking for a crowd recipes
reviews & comments
May 24, 2020
I made this for 60 and subbed turkey meat. It was really tasty. I just let it simmer real low until service time.
February 28, 2018
These Sloppy Joeâs are the best! I also love the added feature you have on this site that will adjust the ingredient to the number of servings you need. Thank You😊
September 2, 2017
Quantity was more than enough for 100 sandwiches. However, this recipe is way too sweet and too much Worcestershire sauce. Maybe substitute crushed tomatoes for most of sugar and ketchup?
December 12, 2016
Fantastic recipe! Thought I'd share how I cooked it in case it helps anyone else. First, I needed two large dutch ovens to brown everything. I also used two large roaster ovens instead of roaster pans. Let it simmer until we needed it. Super easy and kept the oven free for other food.
May 22, 2016
This has a wonderful flavor! I put it into the oven instead of on the stovetop, just to get the kitchen all cleaned up, and it worked fine.
April 2, 2015
Made this recipe for a party and everyone loved it. Adjusting the recipe for 25 this time. Really good sloppy joes.
January 10, 2014
I have made this recipe for 150 people two times and preparing to make again . Everybody loved it easy to make night before and heat in oven next day for hour or so . We heated in convection oven in individual pans for service of eight came out of oven ready to serve to table family style. Great recipe.
July 3, 2013
This recipe was a lifesaver! The caterer (bbq) we had planned for a graduation party cancelled at the last minute. This was easy to put together and worked wonderfully!
January 23, 2012
I made this recipe, as written for a bereavement dinner at church for 98 people. I received many complements, and am making again to freeze in smaller batches for quick meals. Thank you so much for this healthier recipe to an old favorite!!
April 4, 2006
I made this for 120 people. I recieved many complements and some requests for the recipe. I will definitely make this recipe again!