24 Crowd-Pleasing Sides to Serve with Sloppy Joes (2024)

As a busy working mom of four ravenous kids, dinner time is often chaotic at our house. Trying to get a hot meal on the table that everyone will actually eat can feel like an impossible task. My youngest two are picky eaters while my teenagers are a bottomless pit. Finding a middle ground is tough.

On crazy weeknights when I need a quick crowd-pleaser, Sloppy Joes have become a lifesaver.

The savory-sweet, ground beef seasoned with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce is a favorite of all my kids. Even my fussy 4-year-old gobbles them up! These messy iconic American sandwiches are fun for little hands to grab and eat.

While Sloppy Joes on burger buns are delicious on their own, I like to round out the menu with some classic sides. This elevates our chaotic dinners into a heartier home-cooked meal. No matter the occasion and serving style, these satisfying and decadent sammies are bound to be a hit.

In the following article, I'm sharing all my favorites when it comes to what goes with Sloppy Joes, including:

• Different topping, salsa, and sauce options
• The ideal side dishes and what to eat with Sloppy Joes besides bread
• Salads and what veggies go with Sloppy Joes (if you really want to)
• Drinks and dessert go-to choices.

So grab your spatula and let's get saucy!

Toppings, Sauces & Salsas

Looking to enhance your Sloppy Joe right inside the bun? Try out these extra topping options!

1. Caramelized Mushrooms

Caramelized mushrooms are so sweet and tender, and they add the perfect burst of flavor to a Sloppy Joe by complementing meaty flavors and adding in extra protein!

This recipe uses white button mushrooms and saturates them in butter, salt, pepper, and garlic until they’re oozing with flavorful goodness.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when recipes claim it only takes five minutes to caramelize onions - try forty!

Luckily, mushrooms are much quicker than onions, and this recipe gives reasonable estimates; it will take you about twenty minutes to achieve perfect caramelization.

I also love that it doesn’t call for any extra sugar, instead bringing out the natural sweetness of the shrooms!

2. Roasted Corn Salsa

If you’re looking to serve your Sloppy Joes Southern-style, try out this roasted corn salsa!

The corn kernels give a pop of color and a burst of fresh sweetness to your hearty and meaty meal.

Plus, the salsa is packed full of other bright and flavorful veggies: sweet onion, plum tomatoes, poblano, and jalapeno pepper. Finally, garlic and seasonings really make this salsa slap!

When thinking about what to eat with Sloppy Joes, I love this dish as a topping. However, you can also serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips! I usually go for flour, but blue corn is also an amazing option.

3. Edamame Guacamole (High Protein)

Another great Southern option, you can never go wrong with guacamole! This recipe transforms your favorite fatty delicacy into a protein and flavor-packed dip to die for – without sacrificing any of the creaminess!

All you need to do is add a cup of edamame (Japanese soybeans) into the food processor along with your avocados, garlic, lime juice, tomato, red onions, jalapeno, and cilantro.

Since edamame is naturally light green in color, I doubt you’ll even be able to tell that it’s in there.

If you really look out for it though, it adds a slightly denser texture and more layered flavor to the guacamole.

I like this recipe especially when I’m topping meat like Sloppy Joes which has less structure; it keeps your sandwich from totally falling apart.

Plus, this recipe uses frozen edamame (warmed up in the microwave for a few minutes) so it’s super easy and you don’t need to spend your time shelling soybeans!

4. Garlic Sauce

Finally, this toum (Lebanese garlic sauce) recipe is my go-to sauce when it comes to what to eat with Sloppy Joes!

It’s similar to mayo or aioli, but it doesn’t have egg or dairy (it’s actually vegan, although that doesn’t count for much when you’re topping your ground beef with it) – making it a lot lighter on the stomach!

All you need to do to make it is combine garlic, salt, and lemon juice with chilled oil in a food processor until it emulsifies. The result is creamy, tangy, and a great accompaniment to many meals.

Side Dishes

Want a side for your sandwich? These are my favorite options!

1. French Fries

Of course, the classic side dish with an American staple like the Sloppy Joe has got to be French fries.

These crispy, hand-cut fries are even better than restaurant quality, and it’s your choice if you bake or fry them!

In my experience, while frying them is undeniably delicious, you don’t lose much flavor by cooking them in the oven – especially with a generous drizzle of olive oil.

Not to mention: cleanup is so much easier, and it makes them lighter on the stomach and a little bit better for you!

For the best of both worlds, you can also easily adapt this recipe for your air fryer – just toss them in a little cornstarch first to keep them from sticking!

2. Fried potatoes and onions

If you’re looking for a potato-based side but want to keep that Southern flair, try out this country-style fried potato and onion recipe!

It’s so easy to make; all you need are onions and potatoes (shockingly) plus some olive oil, butter, and salt and pepper.

Then, simply sauté in a skillet until they’re soft in the middle and brown and crispy on the outside (roughly twenty to twenty-five minutes).

If you want to kick things up a notch, I sometimes add a little cayenne, paprika, and lime juice to this recipe for a burst of fresh flavor.

I find serving them next to Sloppy Joes really rounds out the meal! Plus, they’re great in a scramble with leftover hamburger meat as well.

3. Truffle Deviled Eggs

Feeling fancy? This deviled egg recipe takes a traditional side dish and really goes the extra mile by using top-of-the-line ingredients like crème fraîche, homemade mayonnaise, white truffle oil, and black truffle salt and shavings.

If you really want to go all out, you can even top them with caviar!

Is this recipe necessary? No. Is it a whole lot of indulgent fun? Oh, yeah.

Plus, it’s so incredibly delicious! Serve next to your Sloppy Joes for a creamy protein punch and a little bit of ironic joy.

4. Baked Cheesy Polenta Chips

If you’re torn between serving French fries and corn chips with your Sloppy Joes, this polenta chip recipe could be the one for you!

They’re healthy, nourishing, crunchy, and oh-so-good! They’re surprisingly easy to make as well, though you do need to prepare them in advance to allow for chilling time (eight to twelve hours).

I know this is a bit of a drag, but it is essential for getting those perfectly triangular chips that don’t fall apart while you cook them but are still pleasantly crumbly while you eat.

I almost always top these chips with a light dusting of parmesan, or (admittedly, more often) a generous coating of shredded cheddar on top.

Just add your cheese about five minutes after you flip your chips, so they’re still crispy all around and the cheese has time to get melty and gooey!

These chips are great for scooping up any filling that might have escaped the bun of your sandwich as well.

5. Potato Salad

If you’re after a cool side that’s still carby, this is my go-to potato salad recipe! It’s creamy, tangy, nourishing, and takes less than half an hour to prepare.

It’s pretty simple, but you can always add more ingredients if there’s anything you’re craving.

This recipe only uses potato, celery, onion, pickles, and chopped egg whites in a dressing of egg yolks, mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, pickle juice, and salt and pepper.

I like it as is, but common additions include red bell pepper, shredded carrots, capers, and cheeses!

It’s a nice contrast to steaming hot Sloppy Joes, plus it’s easy to make ahead and leftovers (if there are any) keep very well.

6. Baked Beans

Really leaning into the cowboy vibe? Then you have to serve your Sloppy Joes with baked beans!

This recipe is my favorite to make in a pinch, because it’s really just an upgrade of a can of Campbell's pork and beans!

Seriously, this recipe takes ten minutes; you make it in the microwave, and all you need to do is add some ketchup, brown sugar, onion, bacon bits, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard to a can of beans.

Is it cheating? Probably. Am I going to stop? No way! This recipe honestly tastes pretty much just as good as homemade, and it’s perfect for when I want something else with my Sloppy Joes but I am just burnt out in the kitchen.

If you’ve got vegetarian or vegan guests, you can also serve up this recipe (using a vegetarian can of beans) as an alternative to the Sloppy Joe filling! Just make sure you’re using cheaper bacon bits that don’t actually contain bacon, or sub them out.

7. Garlic Bread

And of course, you can never go wrong with garlic bread when it comes to what to have with Sloppy Joes!

This recipe is pretty much just as easy to make as the frozen kind, only it tastes so much better.

Seriously – only five minutes of prep time and ready to go in under twenty, your guests will be raving about this side dish for years to come!

The secret is in a nice, fresh loaf of bread, making sure to finely mince your garlic, and using a very generous amount of butter so the bread is fully saturated.

I prefer salted butter, but you can also use unsalted and season to your taste. If you want to go the extra mile, add some parmesan, mozzarella (or both) to melt on top of your bread, and garnish with parsley and chives!

This recipe is ideal for soaking up all the delicious extras from your Sloppy Joe filling and getting your plate well and truly clean.

Vegetable Sides

Don’t forget your veggies! These plant-based options will round out your meal perfectly:

1. Sumac Onions

There is nothing easier than sumac onions! This Mediterranean side dish uses a quick pickle technique to give you a scrumptiously sour and slightly sweet vegetable side dish.

All you need to do is thinly slice (or julienne) a small red onion and combine it with chopped parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, ground sumac, and salt.

Then, pop it into your fridge (or leave it on the counter if you prefer) for at least five minutes before serving!

These onions are a delightful purple and pink color and add brightness in both flavor and color to your Sloppy Joes (which, while delicious, are admittedly not the prettiest meal). Serve them as a side or in the sandwich itself!

2. Pickles

I really can’t think of a more classic partner to Sloppy Joes than trusty old pickles! The flavorsome clash between a savory and meaty Joe and tangy pickles? I call that perfection.

You just can’t go wrong with this duo, and if you’ve got the time, you should definitely try your hand at making the pickles yourselves!

Many people think pickles will have you waiting forever before they’re ready. However, that’s not true at all.

Preparing pickles is easy-peasy, plus they’re ready for hungry mouths in as little as three hours.

Homemade pickles are always crunchier and fresher than store-bought. Not to mention – you can customize the flavor to your liking!

3. Honey Roasted Carrots

Carrots are veggies I just can’t say no to, and this recipe just kicks things up another notch!

Honey-roasted carrots are sweet to the point of almost being caramelized, and they’re really great with hearty, meaty meals like Sloppy Joes.

Picture tender, buttery goodness flooding your mouth with so much irresistible flavor and texture. And the best part? It doesn’t take up much time at all!

Just pop these carrots into the oven and then throw them into the pan alongside butter, honey, and cayenne pepper. These bad boys are ready in 35 minutes, and you won’t even break a sweat!

4. Corn on the Cob

Finally, corn on the cob is a classic to serve with any barbecue-style meal! This simple recipe gives you the perfect method for grilling your corn so it’s just slightly charred and cooked to perfection.

The sweet, fresh, summery corn is the perfect partner to Sloppy Joes, and it’s also a well-loved veggie side.

I personally like serving it with (a fair bit of) butter and salt, but you can add cayenne, black pepper, lime, parmesan, and mayonnaise for a Latin American twist too!

Salads

For a lighter pairing with your Sloppy Joes.

1. Refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Salad

When I want to wow my family with something out of the box, I whip up a hearty serving of this refreshing cucumber yogurt salad!

This recipe is a Lebanese cuisine star, and it pairs seamlessly with meaty dishes like Sloppy Joes.

You’ll see what I mean once you’ve taken a bite! This salad is creamy, fresh, and tangy, creating a world of amazing flavors that just explode on your taste buds.

It’s also simple to prepare and doesn’t require you to go on a hunt for any hard-to-find ingredients. If you have a cucumber, whole milk yogurt, mint, and garlic powder, you’re all set!

2. Coleslaw

If we’re on the topic of refreshing and light sides, it can’t be complete without coleslaw. This classic is something you’ll always find in my home because the whole family loves it!

Coleslaw is a great chilled salad option if you’d like to keep things traditional. Want to shine the spotlight on your Sloppy Joes and don’t want a side that’ll steal the show? Coleslaw is your best bet.

I love this recipe so much simply due to how simple and flavorful it is! The starting ingredients are cabbage and carrots, but feel free to add your own twist to the mix.

Whatever veggies you add, you’re sure to have a bright, creamy, crunchy, and colorful slaw to serve!

3. Green Salad

When I want a side dish that’s super fresh and doesn’t need me to get all sweaty in the kitchen, I go for this simple tossed green salad!

The recipe calls for mixed greens (or lettuce), sunflower seeds, and bacon bits for that extra crunch, flavor, and protein. You’ll also need red onions and cucumbers for zesty freshness that will feel right at home alongside your Sloppy Joes.

What ties everything together is the amazing and easy-to-make salad dressing. It’s quick and sure to keep you coming back for more!

4. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is ideal for barbecues or potlucks because it’s well-loved, super easy to make, and keeps well. You can prepare it in advance to save yourself time on the big day!

This recipe keeps it simple with just red bell pepper, celery, sweet pickles, and red onion. Throw them in with pasta and eggs and you’ll have yourself a refreshing macaroni salad everyone will love.

I love this recipe because it gives me so much space to be creative; I can experiment with different ingredients and see which ones my guests appreciate. I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your home too!

5. Pasta Salad

Longing for the rolling countryside of Italy? You can recreate the same feeling right at home with this pasta salad! It’s bright and fresh, and it reminds me of bright summer days with family and friends.

While it’s not as creamy as the traditional pasta salad, it’ll still go hand in hand with your Sloppy Joes.

Cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, toasted pine nuts, crumbly feta, and cucumbers? You already know this salad will bring a lot of personality to the table!

Even without Sloppy Joes, this pasta salad is nice to munch on if you’re looking for something lighter. Yum!

6. Fruit Salad

Trust me – no summer gathering is complete without this classic treat!

The concert of colors, flavors, and textures makes this salad a wonderful standalone snack. In saying that, it’s also a great way to end a meal with Sloppy Joes on a sweet note!

While you might want to plate this one separately from your Sloppy Joes (though if you decide to serve them together, I won’t judge!), this fresh salad will be right at home no matter the occasion.

You can even tweak the ingredients and make room for your guests’ favorite fruits. The possibilities are endless!

Drinks & Desserts

1. Dark chocolate mousse

Who says you can’t pair Sloppy Joes with an exquisite dessert like dark chocolate mousse?

This decadent treat is a great option if you want to leave a positive impression — and it’s something the kids are sure to enjoy too!

A bit of a heads-up, though: this dessert will take time and ingredients, so it’s best to make this way ahead of the special day. But trust me, the results are so worth it!

Dark chocolate mousse is also great all year round, so feel free to serve it for the summer months or the winter holidays.

2. Salted Apple Crisp

Keep it Americana but still fresh and new with this twist on a classic apple-based dessert!

This is honestly one of my top picks for the fall season, so I recommend trying this recipe with your Halloween-themed Sloppy Joe party.

This dessert marries Granny Smith apples with crunchy oats, so it has the right flavor and texture for a post-Sloppy Joe treat!

Even better: prep time only takes about 15 minutes, and your trusty oven handles the rest of the process. Make sure to whip up a huge batch — this dessert is great as leftovers too!

3. Red Robin Freckled Lemonade

Sloppy Joes are heavy on the meat and savory flavor, so you need something light and refreshing to contrast them with.

And if it’s drinks you’re after, I highly recommend this (copycat) Red Robin freckled lemonade for your next Sloppy Joe party!

If you don’t have a lot of time, this drink is the one for you. It only needs strawberries and Minute Maid lemonade, and you’re good to go! The lemonade is zesty and tastes like summer, and it’s loved by the kids as well.

You can even jazz up the presentation with a lemon wedge and whole strawberries. Bottoms up!

📖 Recipe