The Sloppy Joe is a quintessential American comfort food. It is messy, sweet, savory, and nostalgic. While there are countless ways to make the sauce from scratch using tomato paste, mustard, and brown sugar, sometimes the schedule demands a shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice that classic flavor. That is where Manwich comes in. Since its debut in 1969, Manwich has become the gold standard for canned sloppy joe sauce, offering a consistent and tangy profile that kids and adults alike adore.
Learning how to make sloppy joe with Manwich is perhaps one of the easiest culinary skills to master, but there is a significant difference between a basic meal and a truly great one. By understanding the right ratios, the best browning techniques, and a few simple “doctoring” tricks, you can turn a simple can of sauce into a gourmet weeknight feast.
The Essential Ingredients for Manwich Sloppy Joes
Before you fire up the stove, you need to gather your components. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most of these items in your pantry or refrigerator.
To get started, you will need one pound of ground meat. Traditionally, ground beef is the go-to choice, but you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner profile. You will also need one 15-ounce can of Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce. Finally, you need a pack of sturdy hamburger buns.
While the base recipe only requires those three things, many home cooks prefer to add a bit of texture. Consider dicing half a yellow onion and a small green bell pepper to sauté with the meat. This adds a fresh crunch and a depth of flavor that offsets the sweetness of the canned sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Consistency
The secret to a great sloppy joe is the texture. Nobody wants a sandwich that is either too dry or so watery that it disintegrates the bun instantly. Following a specific order of operations ensures the meat is flavorful and the sauce is properly thickened.
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Preparing the Meat and Vegetables
Start by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat. If you are using vegetables, add a teaspoon of oil to the pan and sauté the onions and peppers until they are translucent and slightly softened. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Once the vegetables are ready, add your ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or a heat-resistant spatula to break the meat into small, uniform crumbles. This is a crucial step; large chunks of meat don’t hold the sauce as well as fine crumbles. Cook the meat until it is completely browned and no pink remains. For safety, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
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Draining the Fat
One of the biggest mistakes people make when learning how to make sloppy joe with Manwich is skipping the drainage step. As ground beef cooks, it releases rendered fat and water. If you pour the Manwich sauce directly into a greasy pan, the sauce will become oily and won’t cling to the meat.
Carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon to remove the excess grease, or drain the meat into a colander. Once the meat is lean and dry, return it to the skillet and turn the heat down to medium-low.
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Simmering with the Sauce
Now, open your can of Manwich and pour it over the browned meat. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of beef is coated. While the instructions on the can might suggest a quick heat-through, the best flavor comes from a short simmer.
Let the mixture bubble gently on low heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly, creating a thick, hearty consistency that stays on the bun. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to loosen it up.
Elevating the Flavor of Your Manwich
Even though the canned sauce is pre-seasoned, many people find that adding a few “secret” ingredients makes the dish feel homemade. If you want to customize your sloppy joes, consider these common additions.
- For a bit of extra tang, a teaspoon of yellow or Dijon mustard works wonders.
- If you prefer a smokier profile, a dash of liquid smoke or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce provides a savory depth.
- For those who like a bit of heat, diced jalapeños or a few shakes of hot sauce can balance out the natural sweetness of the Manwich base.
Cheese is another popular addition. You can stir shredded cheddar directly into the meat mixture right before serving, or lay a slice of American or Provolone cheese on the bottom bun to act as a moisture barrier.
Choosing and Preparing the Best Buns
The bread is just as important as the filling. A standard white hamburger bun is the traditional choice, but it can often get soggy under the weight of the meat. To prevent this, always toast your buns.
You can toast them in a toaster, or for better flavor, spread a little butter on the cut sides and grill them in a separate pan until they are golden brown. If you want a heartier sandwich, try using brioche buns, kaiser rolls, or even toasted sourdough bread. The structure of a toasted brioche bun is particularly good at holding up against the saucy filling while providing a buttery finish.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
A sloppy joe is a heavy, flavorful main dish, so it pairs best with sides that offer a bit of contrast. Crisp textures and acidic flavors help cut through the richness of the meat.
- Classic pairings include potato chips, french fries, or tater tots.
- For a healthier balance, a cold coleslaw or a vinegar-based cucumber salad provides a refreshing crunch.
- If you are serving a crowd, a side of baked beans or corn on the cob rounds out the meal perfectly.
Don’t forget the pickles. A few slices of dill pickles either on the sandwich or on the side provide the acidity needed to brighten up the palate after the sweet and savory sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Manwich sloppy joes are excellent as leftovers because the flavors continue to develop as they sit. If you have extra meat mixture, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
To reheat, it is best to use the stovetop. Place the mixture in a small pan over low heat and add a splash of water to restore the moisture. You can also use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between to ensure even warming.
The meat mixture also freezes remarkably well. You can store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping busy weekday lunches.
FAQs
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Can I make Manwich sloppy joes in a slow cooker?
Yes, the slow cooker is a great way to prepare this meal for a party. First, brown the beef and drain the grease on the stovetop as usual. Then, transfer the meat and the Manwich sauce to the slow cooker. Set it to low for 2 to 3 hours. This allows the flavors to intensify without the risk of burning the sauce on the bottom of a skillet.
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What is the difference between Manwich Original and other flavors?
Manwich offers several varieties, including Bold, Thick & Chunky, and Bourbon BBQ. The Original flavor is a tomato-based sauce with a balance of sweet and tangy notes. Bold tends to have more spices and a slightly deeper flavor, while Thick & Chunky includes more dehydrated vegetables for texture. You can use any of these following the same cooking method.
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How can I make my sloppy joes less sweet?
If you find the Manwich sauce a bit too sweet for your liking, you can balance it by adding acidic or salty ingredients. Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can cut through the sugar. Alternatively, adding more savory elements like sautéed garlic or extra Worcestershire sauce will shift the flavor profile toward the savory side.
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Is Manwich sauce gluten-free?
According to the manufacturer’s labeling, Manwich Original sauce does not contain gluten ingredients, but it is always important to check the specific can for the most up-to-date allergen information. Additionally, if you are serving someone with a gluten sensitivity, ensure you serve the meat on gluten-free buns or over a baked potato.
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Can I use Manwich sauce for things other than sloppy joes?
Absolutely. The sauce is essentially a seasoned tomato base, making it very versatile. You can use it as a shortcut for chili by adding beans and chili powder, or use it as a topping for meatloaf. Some people even use it as a base for a quick pasta sauce or as a flavor booster for shepherd’s pie.