There is something very cozy about Sloppy Joes, especially when served in the winter. It’s a meal that brings me back to my childhood and I assume will someday be one that brings my kids back to theirs! This sloppy joes freezer meal recipe has that classic taste.

This sloppy joes recipes can be made ahead and frozen. It has a bit of zip in it from the chili sauce. The recipe includes gluten free instructions and can be cooked in either the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

There’s no reason that Sloppy Joes can’t be enjoyed by people who eat gluten free if they are served on gluten free buns. Of course, if you are not on a gluten free diet, you can make this the same way and use your favourite buns.

You can double, triple or quadruple this recipe and separate them into freezer bags to have Sloppy Joes on hand for busy days.

I’m not sure where the “Joes” part of the Sloppy Joes name came from, but it’s easy to see where the “sloppy” part came from! Be sure to have napkins on hand. These are messy to eat, but that’s part of the fun!

Sloppy Joes Freezer Meal Recipe:

• 1 1/2  pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup onion, chopped finely
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped finely
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 tsp. dry mustard powder
• 1/2 cup chili sauce
• 14 oz. can tomato sauce
• 2 Tbsp. ketchup
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce*
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• buns for serving

*If you are making this sloppy joes recipe gluten free, be sure to use a gluten free Worcestershire sauce.

To put this meal together, brown the ground beef. Mix the ground beef and all the other ingredients in a bowl and put into a large resealable freezer bag. Remove the excess air and seal. Lay flat and freeze.

On cooking day, take the bag out of the freezer to thaw. Cook in a crock pot for 2-3 hours on low or cook in a pot on the stovetop until heated through. Serve on regular or gluten free buns, sliced in half.

Our family’s preference for gluten free buns is Udi’s whole grain gluten free hamburger buns. They are a great size and consistency for Sloppy Joes.

Other Easy Family Recipes:

This recipe is included in our Kid Friendly Freezer Meal Menu Plan. The other recipes are also kid-pleasers and the plan includes printable shopping lists, prep lists and printable labels making it easy to fill your freezer with meals your family will actually eat.