Easy Sloppy Joes – Yummy Toddler Food

With two veggies in the mix and a super simple method, these Easy Sloppy Joes work as well for toddlers as it does for big kids and adults. Plus, you can make the whole dinner in less than 15 minutes!

This easy weeknight dinner has been a favorite of my kids ever since I started making it when we lived in Iowa. It’s a version of the Sloppy Joe Pockets in my cookbook Dinnertime SOS, but with more veggies. The ingredient list is so simple and there’s no need to mince garlic or add brown sugar, which makes it even easier!

You can serve the cooked mixture as sandwiches on hamburger buns or brioche rolls, next to a buttered roll, or even stuffed into a bun to make it easier for toddlers to eat. It has the classic Sloppy Joe taste, but with less ingredients and work.

We like this dinner with roasted potatoes or my Mashed Potatoes with Broccoli. Or with sliced cucumbers and fruit. So many easy options!

(You may also like Cheeseburger Pasta, Skillet Lasagna, Chicken in Tomato Sauce, and Roasted Carrot Fries.)

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make this easy Sloppy Joe recipe.

• Onion: You can use any type of onion here, though I usually go with either plain white ones or yellow onion.
• Carrot: I like to add veggies to this skillet dinner so I grate the carrot along with the onion so it cooks quickly and blends into the meat mixture.
• Ground beef: I use lean ground beef here so there is very little fat in the pan. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer.
• Ketchup and tomato paste: These two ingredients are both intensely flavorful and add the majority of the classic Sloppy Joe flavor.
• Oregano: I love the addition of oregano for even more flavor, especially since it’s not typically noticeable to kids who dislike flecks of green.
• Buns, pickles, as desired for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a preview of how to make this recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down for the full info, including the amounts and timing.

Step 1. Add the grated onion and carrot to the pan to soften.

Step 2. Add the beef and the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3. Cook until browned through. Serve warm on buns or over rice.

How to Store

Store leftover cooked meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm to serve. You can also make this recipe ahead of time and simply reheat it to serve when you need it.

Best Tips for Success

• To make this loose meat sandwich easier for toddlers to eat, look for unsliced buns. Then, make a little hole in the bun that doesn’t go all the way through and stuff some meat inside to make a little pocket. (I couldn’t find unsliced buns on the day I shot this but hopefully you can!)
• Use minced mushrooms in place of the carrot to add a veggie to this homemade sloppy joes that blends in even more. Or try minced bell peppers.
• Add tomato sauce, yellow mustard, or Worcestershire sauce for additional flavor if desired, though I personally do not think it’s needed.
• Serve over rice as another option.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe so please comment below to share!

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• Add the olive oil to a wide skillet over medium heat. When warm, add the onion and carrot. (I like to grate them so they blend into the mixture more.) Cook for 2 minutes to soften.

• Add the beef and break up with a spoon. Add the ketchup, tomato paste, oregano, and salt and stir. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is completely browned.

• (If you want the mixture to be saucier, add ¼ cup water or beef broth and/or additional ketchup.)

• Serve warm on buns, or side-by-side cut up buns or bread on a plate.

• Store leftover cooked meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm to serve.
• To make this easier for toddlers to eat, look for unsliced buns. Then, make a little hole in the bun that doesn’t go all the way through and stuff some meat inside to make a little pocket. (I couldn’t find unsliced buns on the day I shot this but hopefully you can!)
• Use minced mushrooms in place of the carrot to add a veggie that blends in even more.
• Serve over rice as another option.

Calories: 172kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 49mg, Sodium: 242mg, Potassium: 363mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 1808IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 2mg