What Goes With Sloppy Joes For Dinner

Let’s be real. Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food. That sweet, tangy, gloriously messy pile of beef is pure magic.

But here’s the big question that haunts every dinner table: What on earth do you serve with it? You can’t just hand someone a bun and a napkin. That’s chaos.

Let’s fix that. We’re diving into the perfect sidekicks for your saucy hero. Get ready for some seriously fun combos.

The Crunch Crew: Your Texture Heroes

Sloppy Joes are a soft, wet situation. So you need crunch—like, desperately. Enter the potato chip.

Not just any chip. Go for kettle-cooked or ridged. They’re little edible shovels for leftover sauce. Fun fact: fries were invented in Belgium, but pairing them with Joes might be your own genius discovery.

Pickles are another crunch champion. A dill spear next to your Joe is like adding a sour punch to a sweet melody. It cuts the richness.

Sweet Potato Fries: The Game Changer

Listen up. Swap your regular fries for sweet potato fries. The smoky, salty, slightly sweet vibe matches the Joe sauce perfectly.

Seriously, it’s a flavor marriage made in a greasy spoon heaven. Dip one in extra sauce. Don’t judge—you’ll thank me later.

And here’s a quirky trick: sprinkle a little cinnamon on sweet potato fries before baking. It’s weird. It works. Trust the process.

What to Eat with Sloppy Joes - Brittany Recipes

Veggie Vibes: Not Just a Health Gamble

Coleslaw is the MVP of Sloppy Joe sides. It’s cold, creamy, and crunchy. The contrast is staggeringly good.

But make it tangy. A vinegar-based slaw (not creamy) wakes up your taste buds. Think of it as a zingy party in your mouth.

Another wild card: roasted Brussels sprouts. Halved, tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then blasted at 400°F until crispy. They get charred, nutty, and addictive. Yes, with Sloppy Joes. Don’t knock it.

The Salad That Actually Works

Don’t roll your eyes. A simple iceberg wedge with ranch or blue cheese is a textural dream next to the saucy mess. It’s crisp, cold, and unbothered.

Or try a quick cucumber salad—sliced cukes, red onion, rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. It’s like a palate reset button. Each bite brings you back for more Joe.

Fun fact: Thomas Jefferson helped popularize cucumbers in America. He’d probably approve of this pairing. Probably.

What To Serve With Sloppy Joes: 25 Tasty Side Dishes For 2023

Starch City: Beyond the Bun

Obviously, you need the bun. But what about tater tots? These mighty cylinders of potato are scientifically proven to hold extra sauce (okay, I made that up, but it’s true in spirit).

Make a Sloppy Joe tater tot casserole. Layer tots, cheese, and the meat mixture. Bake until bubbly. It’s pure, unapologetic joy.

Or go with cornbread. The sweet, crumbly texture is a dream team with the savory meat. Add a pat of butter for extra decadence. You’re welcome.

Rice? Really?

Yes, really. Serve your Sloppy Joes over fluffy white rice. It soaks up all that glorious sauce you’d otherwise lose. It’s like a sloppy Joe burrito bowl, sans the tortilla.

Try it with jasmine rice for a floral note, or short-grain for a sticky hug. Your spoon will weep with gratitude.

Drinks && Dip: The Liquid Side

On the side, you need something cold and fizzy. A classic Coke or root beer is non-negotiable. The sweetness cuts the tangy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes Sloppy Joes at Jason Lindstrom blog

For adults, a dark lager or a stout is a brilliant match. The roasted malt echoes the caramelized meat flavors. It’s a pairing that feels sophisticated, even if you’re eating off a paper plate.

And don’t forget extra sauce for dipping. I’m talking about the actual Sloppy Joe mixture. Pour it into a little bowl. Dip your fries, tots, or even the bun crusts. Zero shame.

Nostalgic Twists You Didn’t Know You Needed

Remember the dinner roll from grandma’s house? Brush them with garlic butter and toast them. Then pile on your Joe. It’s an upgrade to cloud nine.

Or channel your inner kid and serve mac and cheese on the side. Mix a spoonful of Joe into the mac. You’ve just invented a new comfort food hybrid. Patent pending.

Quirky fact: The first Sloppy Joe recipe was published in 1930 in a church cookbook. They called it “loose meat sandwich.” Doesn’t sound as fun, does it?

Finally, the best side is good company. Seriously. Invite someone over who laughs at messes. Serve everything family-style, with extra napkins. Let the sauce drip where it may.

So next time you make Sloppy Joes, go wild. Add the sweet potato fries. Roast those Brussels. Drink a stout. Your dinner table will thank you, one messy bite at a time.