Korean Beef Sloppy Joes -

Name: Korean Beef Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 14 oz ground beef (400 g); 4 tbsp soy sauce (60 ml); 2 tbsp brown sugar (25 g); ¼ cup ketchup (60 g); 1 tbsp sesame oil (15 ml); 4 burger buns; 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); Chopped green onions, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If your family likes sloppy joes but you’re ready to try something a little different, this recipe is well worth adding to your meal plan. It has all the comfort of the classic version, but the sweet and savory sauce gives it a completely different flavour without making it complicated.

It’s one of those dinners I keep coming back to because it’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and doesn’t leave a mountain of washing up. The beef cooks in one pan, the sauce comes together in minutes, and all that’s left to do is pile it into toasted buns.

I usually serve these with fries or chips and whatever salad I’ve got in the fridge, and everyone leaves the table happy. They’re great for busy weeknights, but they’re also a fun option if you’ve got friends or family coming over and want something that’s easy to make without spending ages in the kitchen.

Why We Love This Recipe

It comes together in about 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for those evenings when everyone is hungry and you just need dinner on the table.
The sauce is sweet, savory and just a little different from your usual sloppy joes without being too adventurous.
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, and there’s a good chance you’ve already got most of them in the cupboard.
It’s one of those meals the whole family can tuck into, and everyone can add their own toppings if they want.
It’s easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd or want some leftovers for lunch the next day.
It goes with just about anything, from fries and chips to coleslaw or a simple side salad.

Equipment

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Toaster or dry skillet (for toasting the buns)

Ingredients

Ground beef – I usually use lean ground beef, but whatever you’ve got will work. Just drain off any excess fat after browning.
Soy sauce – This gives the beef that rich, salty flavour that makes the sauce so good.
Brown sugar – Adds a little sweetness to balance out the soy sauce.
Ketchup – Helps bring everything together and gives the sauce that classic sloppy joe feel.
Sesame oil – You don’t need much, but it adds loads of flavour and gives the sauce its signature nutty taste.
Burger buns – I like to lightly toast them so they hold up better once you pile on the filling.
Sesame seeds – Completely optional, but they add a little crunch and make the finished sandwiches look great.
Green onions – A sprinkle over the top adds a fresh finish and a little pop of colour.

Recipe Instructions

Full measurements and cooking times can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium and cook the ground beef for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and fully done. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ketchup to the skillet. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.

Step 3: While the beef finishes cooking, lightly toast the burger buns in a dry skillet or toaster.

Step 4: Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom buns, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if you like, then add the top buns and serve hot.

What to Serve with Korean Beef Sloppy Joes

These are really easy to build a meal around because they go with so many simple sides. I usually keep things easy with fries or chips, but if I want to add something fresh, a salad or crunchy slaw works really well too.

French fries or potato wedges for an easy family dinner.
Crispy chips if you want to keep things simple.
Coleslaw adds a nice bit of crunch alongside the rich beef.
A green salad with a light dressing keeps everything feeling fresh.
Corn on the cob is always a good choice when it’s in season.
Sweet potato fries are great if you fancy mixing things up a little.
Pickles on the side add a tangy bite that goes really well with the sweet and savory beef.

Storing

If you’ve got leftovers, it’s best to store the beef filling separately from the buns so everything stays fresh. Once it’s cooled, pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to eat, just warm the beef through in a skillet over a medium heat or microwave it until it’s piping hot. Toast some fresh buns, pile on the filling, and it’s just as good the next day. You can also freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is really easy to tweak depending on what you’ve already got in the kitchen or how much spice your family likes. It’s one of those dinners that’s very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken or pork if that’s what you have.
Add a little sriracha, gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit more heat.
Stir in some finely diced onion or garlic while the beef is browning for extra flavour.
Spoon the beef over rice instead of serving it in burger buns.
Top with shredded carrots, sliced cucumber or a little crunchy coleslaw for some extra texture.
Sprinkle over crushed peanuts instead of sesame seeds for a different crunch.
Use gluten-free buns and tamari instead of soy sauce if you need to make it gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I make Korean Beef Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes. You can make the beef filling up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Reheat it when you're ready to serve and spoon it into freshly toasted buns.

Can I freeze Korean Beef Sloppy Joes?

Yes, the beef filling freezes really well. Let it cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What makes these Korean Beef Sloppy Joes different?

Instead of the traditional sloppy joe sauce, this version uses soy sauce, sesame oil and brown sugar to create a sweet and savory Korean-inspired flavour that's quick and easy to make.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken or pork all work well in this recipe. You may need to add a splash of oil if you're using a very lean meat.

Are Korean Beef Sloppy Joes spicy?

No. This recipe isn't spicy as written, so it's great for the whole family. If you'd like some heat, add sriracha, gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

What can I serve with Korean Beef Sloppy Joes?

They're delicious with fries, potato wedges, chips, coleslaw, a green salad or corn on the cob. They're also great with sweet potato fries if you fancy something a little different.

Can I make Korean Beef Sloppy Joes without sesame oil?

Yes. Sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavour, but if you don't have any, you can leave it out or use a neutral cooking oil instead. The flavour will be a little different but the recipe will still work.

Can I use hamburger buns or brioche buns?

Yes. Regular hamburger buns, brioche buns or even sandwich rolls all work well. I like to toast them first so they stay nice and sturdy once the filling is added.

Yield: 4