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What to Serve with Sloppy Joes (23 Delicious Ideas)

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Who doesn't love sloppy joes for dinner? But how do you decide on a side dish? Whether you're looking for heartier side dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffed peppers, or lighter ones like salads, I've got tasty ideas for sloppy joe side dishes below.

Vegetarian sloppy joes arranged on a cutting board.

You can never go wrong with classic comfort food like sloppy joes. They're easy, nostalgic, and so satisfying. They make a delicious weeknight dinner or perfect potluck option.

A little known fact about sloppy joes is that they're called by many other nicknames throughout the U.S., including: Manwich, yum yums, steamers, spoonburgers, barbecues, and wimpies.

My easy and healthy recipe for vegetarian sloppy joes is made meatless, using lentils and mushrooms to create a meaty texture that is high in protein. They're smoky, tangy, savory, and just as messy as the original!

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⭐️ How to Make the Best Sloppy Joes

When it comes to making the best sloppy joes, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Toast your buns. For more texture and flavor, toast your hamburger buns. Slice and place (open-faced) under broiler for 3-4 minutes, and watch closely to avoid burning..

Storage: Transfer sloppy joe mixture to an airtight container and store up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Make in advance: Make your sloppy joe filling the day before serving and let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator. It's actually better on the second day!

How to reheat: Place sloppy joe filling in a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until warm throughout, around 10 minutes.

How to freeze: Cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

🤔 What Side Dishes Go Well with Sloppy Joes?

Whether you are looking for healthy options like salads and roasted vegetables, or hearty ideas like roasted and mashed potatoes, I've got so many delicious side dish recipes for you to choose from.

Of course, I couldn't leave out dessert in this list. To me, sloppy joes evoke summertime, so I've included some of my favorite summery desserts for you to pair with your sloppy joes. Enjoy!

🌽 What to Serve with Sloppy Joes for Dinner

Because sloppy joes almost always taste better on the second day, they are great for meal-prep. No need to stress over what you're going to make for dinner on those busy weeknights; it's sloppy joes to the rescue!

1. Stuffed Zucchini with Rice

Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Rice
Enjoy the abundance of fresh summer produce with these vegetarian stuffed zucchini boats with rice. They're full of savory and zippy Italian flavor, and perfect for when you want a healthy and satisfying meal. In this easy recipe, tender zucchini halves are filled with a mouthwatering mixture of seasoned vegetables, aromatic herbs, and topped with gooey mozzarella.
Check out this recipe
Two pieces of stuffed zucchini arranged on a white plate.
Five stuffed zucchini boats arranged on a platter with fresh basil.

2. Summer Tortellini Salad

Summer Tortellini Salad Recipe
Summer tortellini salad is a bright, cheesy, and zingy vegetarian pasta salad that's full of summer produce and ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for your next potluck, picnic, or BBQ!
Check out this recipe
tortellini salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon and tomatoes on the side.
tortellini salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon and tomatoes on the side.

3. Black Bean Corn Salsa

Black Bean Corn Avocado Salsa Recipe
This black bean corn avocado salsa is bright, robust, and zingy, with a chunky texture and the perfect amount of heat. Prep it in 10 minutes and serve it with tortilla chips or as a refreshing side salad!
Check out this recipe
black bean corn avocado salsa in a bowl garnished with cilantro.
black bean corn avocado salsa in a bowl garnished with cilantro.

4. Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho

Cucumber Gazpacho Recipe
Creamy avocado cucumber gazpacho is light, refreshing, and ready in just 10 minutes. After just a few whirls in a blender or food processor (no cooking required!), you've got a zippy and nutritious summer appetizer or side dish. Perfect for a summer picnic!
Check out this recipe
avocado gazpacho in a white bowl.
creamy avocado gazpacho in a white bowl resting on a white napkin.

5. Roasted Japanese Sweet Potato Fries

Roasted Japanese Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
These crunchy sweet potato fries are sweet and savory, seasoned with garlic and rosemary, and served with a creamy garlic-rosemary mayo. The perfect side dish or appetizer that's ready in 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Roasted japanese sweet potato fries on a wooden cutting board with beer and condiments.
roasted japanese sweet potato fries on a wooden cutting board with beer and condiments nearby.

6. Easy Tuscan Bean Salad

Tuscan Bean Salad Recipe
Make this protein-rich and healthy salad when you want a hearty and satisfying meal that is also full of Mediterranean flavors. And it can be prepped in just 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe
bowl of tuscan bean salad with a spoon, fresh basil, and a napkin.
bowl of tuscan bean salad with a spoon, fresh basil, and a napkin.

7. Corn on the Cob

Frozen Corn on the Cob Recipe
Corn on the cob isn't just for enjoying in late summer. Learn how to cook frozen corn quickly and easily for serving year-round! Bright, firm, and slightly crunchy sweet corn can be cooked straight from the freezer - no thawing necessary.
Check out this recipe
buttered corn on the cob resting on a white platter with tongs.
buttered corn on the cob resting on a white platter with tongs.

8. Red Skin Mashed Potatoes with Garlic

Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Easy, buttery, and creamy garlic red skin mashed potatoes is a quick and rustic side dish that will be a welcomed addition at any table. Just 5 simple ingredients and ready in 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Creamy mashed potatoes garnished with fresh chives.
red skin mashed potatoes with garlic, chives, and butter.

9. Gluten Free Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado

Gluten Free Tabbouleh Recipe
An easy gluten free tabbouleh salad packed with fresh parsley and mint, fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, and crunchy chickpeas for extra protein. Ready in 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
large bowl of gluten free tabbouleh garnished with avocado and lemon slices with a wooden spoon.
gluten free tabbouleh garnished with avocado, lemon, and chopped mint.

10. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers Recipe
These Mediterranean stuffed peppers are here to liven up your weeknight meal plan! The well-seasoned vegetarian filling includes robust flavor from aromatics, spices, feta cheese, and fresh parsley. They're bright, zesty, protein-rich, gluten-free, and great for meal-prep!
Check out this recipe
mediterranean stuffed peppers in a baking dish with tongs.
mediterranean stuffed peppers in a baking dish with tongs.

11. Quick Purple Cabbage Slaw

Quick Purple Cabbage Slaw Recipe
This purple cabbage slaw is fresh, zingy, crunchy, mayo-free, and the perfect side dish for your summer cookout or picnic. It's a quick and easy slaw that's ready in 15 minutes and budget-friendly. Loaded with nutrients, it's a healthy side dish that's naturally dairy-free and high in fiber.
Check out this recipe
plate of purple cabbage coleslaw garnished with fresh parsley.
Purple cabbage slaw arranged on a white serving platter with two forks.

12. Apple Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Apple Salad
Cucumber apple salad is refreshing and tangy, with crisp apples, crunchy cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette. This dairy-free salad can be assembled in 10 minutes and is a great option to bring to your next potluck or bbq.
Check out this recipe
apple cucumber salad assembled in a bowl with two forks and napkin on the side.
apple cucumber salad assembled in a bowl with two forks and napkin on the side.

13. Roasted Potatoes with Chimichurri

Roasted Chimichurri Potatoes Recipe
Crispy and creamy chimichurri potatoes are roasted and tossed in an herby and spicy cilantro chimichurri sauce, lending them a vibrant and garlicky herb-forward flavor, with just the right amount of heat. A quick and simple side dish that's naturally dairy-free and gluten free.
Check out this recipe
roasted red potatoes with cilantro chimichurri in a white bowl
roasted red skin potatoes with cilantro chimichurri in a white bowl.

14. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

Vegan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic are the perfect anytime side dish. They become crispy and crunchy on the outside while turning caramelized and tender on the inside. Just 3 ingredients, naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and ready in 35 minutes!
Check out this recipe
roasted brussel sprouts with garlic in a white bowl with spoon.

🥧 What Dessert to Serve with Sloppy Joes

Of course, you can't forget about dessert when serving sloppy joes for that ultimate bbq or cookout. Here are some of my favorite dessert recipes:

15. Vegan Peach Crisp

Healthy Peach Crisp
Healthy peach crisp is plump full of juicy, bubbly peaches, with a crispy oat topping that's naturally sweetened with maple syrup. This easy and healthy peach dessert is dairy-free/vegan, flour-less, and protein-rich. Simpler than making a pie, and no special equipment is needed. Bring it to your next summer picnic, potluck, or bbq!
Check out this recipe
healthy peach crisp in a baking dish with three scoops of ice cream.
healthy peach crisp in a baking dish with three scoops of ice cream.

16. Death By Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Death By Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
This decadent death-by-chocolate zucchini bread is rich and fudgy, with just a hint of cinnamon. It's perfect for brunch, dessert, or as an afternoon snack with coffee. No special equipment is needed for this simple recipe - just mix your ingredients by hand and bake for 45 minutes.
Check out this recipe
death by chocolate zucchini bread sliced on a wooden cutting board.
death by chocolate zucchini bread sliced on a wooden cutting board.

17. Vegan Fruit Tart

Vegan Fruit Tart Recipe
A beautiful, creamy, and light vegan fruit tart that will put you in a summer mindset without the hassle of baking a pie!
Check out this recipe
vegan fruit tart with kiwi and berries on a platter
vegan fruit tart with kiwi and berries on a platter.

18. S'mores Bars (with vegan option)

Vegan S'mores Bars Recipe
Let these vegan s'mores bars transport you back to childhood summers. In this easy recipe, a rich graham cookie crust is topped with gooey dark chocolate and toasted mini-marshmallows. Even better than the classic!
Check out this recipe
three smores bars stacked on top of each other.
healthy smores bars stacked three high.

19. Vegan Peanut Butter Pie

Vegan Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
A silky smooth vegan peanut butter pie that's so rich and creamy, you won't believe it's dairy-free. Made with a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky peanut butter filling, this delicious pie uses just 7 simple ingredients and is perfect year-round.
Check out this recipe
peanut butter pie with one slice cut and garnished with peanuts.
peanut butter pie with one slice cut and garnished with peanuts.

20. Apricot Gluten-Free Galette

Apricot Galette Recipe
In this rustic apricot galette, juicy apricots are nestled into a buttery and flaky gluten free crust with a hint of almond. Use your favorite stone fruit or combine several to make the ultimate summer dessert. This galette hits all the right notes of a fruit dessert: sweet and juicy, rich and buttery, and slightly tart.
Check out this recipe
Sliced apricot galette on a baking sheet topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Sliced apricot galette on a baking sheet topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

21. Black Forest Pie

(No-Bake) Black Forest Pie Recipe
This black forest pie is both easy to make and beautiful enough to wow your guests. A chocolate cookie crust is topped with a layer of creamy chocolate ganache, homemade cherry filling, and fresh whipped cream. It's chocolate-covered cherries in pie form!
Check out this recipe
black forest pie in a pan with two forks in background.
black forest cherry pie in a pan with two forks in background.

22. Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Buttermilk Cake Recipe
This strawberry buttermilk cake is rich with a tender crumb that incorporates cornmeal for added sweetness and texture, and with a hint of almond flavor. Half of the strawberries are baked directly into the cake, creating jammy pockets of juicy strawberries. This is an easy and non-fussy single layer cake that anyone can make. Serve it for brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea.
Check out this recipe
Strawberry buttermilk cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries.
Strawberry cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries on a platter.

23. Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake

Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake Recipe
This blueberry lemon ricotta pound cake has a tender crumb, with fresh lemon zest and blueberries dotted throughout the cake. It's not cloyingly sweet, thanks to the fresh lemon, but just sweet enough. Ricotta adds light creaminess, making it perfect for brunch or to go with your afternoon coffee or tea.
Check out this recipe
blueberry lemon pound cake sliced onto parchment paper.
blueberry lemon pound cake sliced onto parchment paper.

🍽 More Side Dish Recipes

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Comments

  1. Monica

    Thanks for putting this list together! Everything sounds so good!

    Reply

    • Gastronotherapy

      You are welcome, Monica! I hope you find some tasty recipes here!

      Reply

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