Got leftovers? We've got recipes. 18 delicious recipes using cooked chicken (plus 9 bonus recipes!)

This version of sloppy joes is made with browned ground beef, tomato soup, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce and served on hamburger buns.
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10 ounce size) condensed tomato soup
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
6 hamburger buns
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the tomato soup, water, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soppy joe mixture simmer for 2 minutes.
Serve the sloppy joe meat on buns, with your favorite condiments, if desired.
Adding a touch of brown sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomato soup in the sloppy joe filling.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapenos to the filling.
Experiment with different types of buns, such as brioche or pretzel buns, for a twist on the classic sloppy joe.
Create a "sloppy joe bar" with various toppings like shredded cheese, pickles, onions, or jalapenos for a fun, party option.
Try using different ground meats like pork, chicken, or turkey (or a combination) for a different flavor.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, plant-based meat crumbles, or crumbled tofu.
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
You can substitute tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes mixed with a little sugar and spices for a similar flavor.
Add diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, or chili powder for extra flavor.
Yes, sloppy joe filling can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve for a quick meal.
Store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Yes, sloppy joe filling can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Drain the browned ground beef well and let the sauce simmer longer until the mixture has reduced and thickened a bit.
Toasting the buns can add extra flavor and prevent them from getting soggy from the sloppy joe filling.
The sloppy joe filling is done when the beef is browned and cooked through, and the sauce is thickened.
Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and combining all the ingredients to make the sloppy joe mixture. Make sure it's large enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding.
Spatula: To stir the ground beef while browning and to mix all the ingredients together in the skillet. A heat-resistant spatula works best for this recipe.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure the ingredients for the right balance of flavors in the sloppy joe mixture.
Macaroni and Cheese: The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the savory and slightly tangy flavors of the sloppy joes.
Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of the fries will contrast nicely with the tangy tomato soup and Worcestershire sauce, adding a nice balance to your meal.
Coleslaw: The crunchy and slightly tangy coleslaw will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty sloppy joes.
Onion Rings: The crispy and slightly sweet onion rings will add a fun and indulgent element to your meal, complementing the flavors of the sloppy joes with their crunchy texture.
Wine Pairings
Malbec: The bold flavor of Malbec can hold its own with the savory richness of the tomato soup sloppy joes. Look for one with dark fruit flavors like blackberry and plum to complement the dish.
Chianti: This Italian red wine with its tart cherry notes and high acidity can cut through the richness of the sloppy joes. The tannins will also provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors.
Chardonnay: If you prefer white wine, a buttery Chardonnay can work surprisingly well with this dish. Its creamy texture can soften the acidity of the tomato soup while enhancing the meaty flavors.
Other Alcohol Pairings
IPA: The hoppy bitterness and refreshing quality of an IPA can help cleanse your palate after each bite of the sloppy joes. The citrusy notes in the beer can also complement the tomato soup and enhance the overall experience.
Whiskey Ginger: The spiciness of whiskey mixed with the zesty kick of ginger ale can provide a nice contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of the sloppy joes. Plus, it's a classic cocktail that's always a hit.
Dark and Stormy: A mix of dark rum and ginger beer, the Dark and Stormy can add a tropical twist to your meal. The spiciness of the ginger beer can balance out the richness of the dish while the rum adds depth of flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Root Beer: The sweet, caramel notes in root beer can pair surprisingly well with the tomato soup sloppy joes.
Iced Coffee: For a caffeinated twist, try an iced coffee with your sloppy joes. The cold brew can cut through the richness of the dish while providing a refreshing pick-me-up.
Lemonade: The tangy sweetness of lemonade can be a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the sloppy joes.
Got leftovers? We've got recipes. 18 delicious recipes using cooked chicken (plus 9 bonus recipes!)
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
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!
Online since 1995, CDKitchen has grown into a large collection of delicious recipes created by home cooks and professional chefs from around the world. We are all about tasty treats, good eats, and fun food. Join our community of 200K+ members - browse for a recipe, submit your own, add a review, or upload a recipe photo.
reviews & comments
July 30, 2019
This recipe is good
September 19, 2014
I make this then put it in the crock pot. I sautee onion and bell pepper with the meat. Don't need salt unless you use low sodium soup. When I've been in a hurry I've just added dehydrated onion instead of sauteeing. Very family friendly meal.
The sloppy joe recipe is similar to mine except: brown the burger with onion and green pepper. Add diced dill pickles, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. There's something about the pickles that make it great!
August 24, 2007
I have made a similar recipe for years and my family loves it! The only difference is that I use a can of Chicken Gumbo Soup.