Guy Fieri Sloppy Joes (Better Than Store-Bought!)

Guy Fieri’s sloppy joes recipe with brown sugar is what every homemade sloppy joe should taste like—sweet, tangy, and loaded with flavor that puts those canned mixes to shame. I’ve been making this recipe for years because it’s just as easy as opening a can, but tastes about a thousand times better. Serve it on Hawaiian rolls with crispy onion rings on top and you’ve got a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration.

Guy Fieri’s sloppy joes recipe with brown sugar is what every homemade sloppy joe should taste like—sweet, tangy, and loaded with flavor that puts those canned mixes to shame. I’ve been making this recipe for years because it’s just as easy as opening a can, but tastes about a thousand times better. Serve it on Hawaiian rolls with crispy onion rings on top, and you’ve got a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration.

Sloppy joes and tater tots are a classic childhood combination that I still make well into my 30s. But after reading books like Skinny Bitch and getting more conscious about what I’m feeding my family, I’ve been on a mission to ditch processed foods and make as much from scratch as possible. When it comes to sloppy joes, this was at the top of my list—and I’m so glad I found Guy Fieri’s version.

What Makes Guy Fieri’s Sloppy Joes Different?

This isn’t your average sloppy joe recipe. While most versions rely on ketchup and premade seasoning packets loaded with Red 40 and ingredients you can’t pronounce, Guy Fieri’s recipe builds flavor from the ground up with real ingredients. Here’s what makes it special:

Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. It’s that sweet-savory combo that makes you go back for seconds.

Red wine gives the sauce depth and richness you won’t find in canned versions. Don’t worry—the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind pure flavor.

Liquid smoke (my personal addition) adds a subtle smokiness that makes these taste like they’ve been slow-cooked for hours, even though they only take 30 minutes.

A blend of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a more complex, savory base than beef alone. The sausage adds herbs and spices that elevate the whole dish.

Roasted red peppers, jalapeños, and a mix of spices (cayenne, paprika, cumin, dry mustard) create layers of flavor that develop as the sauce simmers.

The result? A rich, thick, perfectly seasoned sloppy joe mixture that makes you wonder what you’ve been eating all your life.

How to Make Guy Fieri Sloppy Joes

I know the ingredient list looks long, but don’t let that scare you. Everything you need is either already in your pantry or cheap to buy, and you’ll definitely use these seasonings again for other recipes on my blog like my Oven Baked Pork Ribs, Braised Short Ribs, and Greek Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce.

Step 1: Cook the vegetables. Start by heating oil in a large skillet and cooking your peppers and onions until they’re softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This builds the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Brown the meat. Add your ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned, stir in the garlic. If there’s a ton of grease, drain some off, but a little fat adds flavor.

Step 3: Build the sauce. Pour in the red wine (it’ll sizzle and smell amazing), then add the vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and all your spices. This is where the magic happens.

Step 4: Let it simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let everything simmer for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. The longer you let it simmer, the better it tastes. I usually let mine go for at least 30 minutes if I have time.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy. Pile that saucy, meaty goodness onto Hawaiian rolls (trust me, the sweetness is essential), top with crispy onion rings if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in.

Why You MUST Use Hawaiian Rolls

I’m not kidding about this—Hawaiian rolls are non-negotiable. The slight sweetness of the rolls balances the savory, tangy sauce perfectly. Regular hamburger buns just don’t hit the same. The pillowy softness also soaks up the sauce without falling apart, which is key when you’re dealing with something this saucy.

If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, look for any sweet dinner roll or brioche bun. But honestly, Hawaiian rolls are available at most grocery stores and they make all the difference.

Optional: Top with Crispy Onion Rings

Here’s where Guy Fieri takes it to the next level—crispy fried onion rings piled right on top of the sloppy joe. The crunch from the onion rings, the rich savoriness of the meat mixture, and the sweetness of the Hawaiian roll? Pure bliss.

You can use the onion ring recipe below (it’s super easy and uses sweet Vidalia onions), or grab store-bought onion straws if you’re short on time. Either way, that textural contrast makes this feel like a special occasion meal, even on a Tuesday night.

Why This Recipe Is Worth the Extra Ingredients

I get it—buying a can of Manwich is easier. But once you taste the difference homemade makes, you won’t want to go back. This sauce puts those premade mixes to shame. You can actually taste the layers of flavor: the sweetness from the brown sugar, the tang from the vinegar, the depth from the red wine, the smokiness from the liquid smoke.

Plus, you know exactly what’s going into your food. No artificial colors, no preservatives, no ingredients you can’t pronounce. Just real food that happens to taste incredible.

And here’s the kicker—it’s just as easy as opening a can. Seriously. You just dump everything in a pot and let it simmer. If you’re making this for a party or feeding a crowd, you can even leave it in a crockpot on low and let people serve themselves.

The Verdict

This is hands-down the best sloppy joe recipe I’ve ever made. The combination of Guy Fieri’s flavor-packed sauce, the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls, and the optional crunch from onion rings makes this a meal I crave regularly. It’s become a family favorite in my house, and I know it’ll become one in yours too.

This recipe is adapted from Guy Fieri, with a few of my own tweaks (like the liquid smoke and a slightly adjusted ingredient list). The original is incredible, but I’ve made it my own over the years.

If you don’t try anything else I suggest, please try this sloppy joes recipe. I promise you won’t regret it.

Creamy chili cheeseburger with onion rings and fried chips on a white plate. — Delicious homemade chili cheeseburger served with crispy onion rings and chips.

What to Serve with Sloppy Joes

Sloppy joes are casual, comfort food, so keep the sides simple:

Tater tots or french fries – Classic combo
Coleslaw – The cool, crunchy contrast is perfect
Potato salad – Another cookout classic
Corn on the cob – Especially great in summer
Baked beans – Sweet and savory together
Pickle spears – For that tangy crunch

This recipe is adapted from Guy Fieri.

Commonly Asked Questions

What makes Guy Fieri’s recipe different?

Guy Fieri’s sloppy joes use brown sugar, red wine, and a blend of spices to create a richer, more complex flavor than store-bought mixes. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage also adds depth you won’t find in traditional recipes.

Can you freeze sloppy joes?

Yes! The meat mixture freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, then thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

What’s the best bun for sloppy joes?

Hawaiian rolls are hands down the best choice. The slight sweetness perfectly balances the tangy, savory sauce, and they’re soft enough to soak up the juices without falling apart.

Can you use ground turkey instead?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great if you want a leaner option. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce since turkey is milder than beef.

What should I serve with sloppy joes?

Classic pairings include tater tots, french fries, coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans. Keep it simple and casual!