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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.

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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.

🌽 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

1
Two pieces of stuffed zucchini arranged on a white plate.
Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Rice
In these vegetarian stuffed zucchini boats with rice, tender zucchini halves are filled with a mixture of seasoned vegetables, aromatic herbs, and topped with gooey mozzarella. They're full of savory and zippy Italian flavor, and perfect for when you want a satisfying meal.
Check out this recipe

2. Summer Tortellini Salad

2
tortellini salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon and tomatoes on the side.
Pesto Tortellini Salad Recipe
This pesto tortellini salad is a bright, cheesy vegetarian pasta salad made with cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, zucchini, and homemade walnut pesto. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for an easy potluck, picnic, BBQ, or make-ahead lunch.
Check out this recipe

3. Roasted Carrots and Green Beans with Garlic

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Platter of roasted carrots and green beans drizzled with balsamic.
Roasted Carrots and Green Beans Recipe
With 5 simple ingredients, roasted carrots and green beans with garlic can be served as a weeknight side dish or as an addition to your holiday table. The oven roasted vegetables become caramelized and slightly charred, with the balsamic drizzle giving it a zingy flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
Check out this recipe

4. Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho

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avocado gazpacho in a white bowl.
Cucumber Gazpacho Recipe
This creamy cucumber gazpacho is cold, refreshing, and made with avocado, fresh herbs, lime juice, and jalapeño. It's a no-cook summer soup that comes together in 10 minutes and chills into the perfect light lunch, appetizer, or picnic recipe.
Check out this recipe

5. Roasted Japanese Sweet Potato Fries

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Roasted japanese sweet potato fries on a wooden cutting board with beer and condiments.
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

6. Easy Tuscan Bean Salad

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

7. Corn on the Cob

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buttered corn on the cob resting on a white platter with tongs.
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

8. Red Skin Mashed Potatoes with Garlic

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Creamy mashed potatoes garnished with fresh chives.
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

9. Gluten Free Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado

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Quinoa tabbouleh with chickpeas in a bowl.
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe
This quinoa tabbouleh salad is fresh, lemony, and packed with parsley, mint, tomatoes, chickpeas,and fluffy quinoa. It's a gluten-free, protein-rich twist on classic tabbouleh that works as a light main dish, side salad, or meal-prep lunch - with optional avocado for extra creaminess.
Check out this recipe

10. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa

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mediterranean stuffed peppers in a baking dish with tongs.
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

11. Quick Purple Cabbage Slaw

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plate of purple cabbage coleslaw garnished with fresh parsley.
Purple Cabbage Slaw Recipe
This quick vinegar cabbage slaw is made with crisp cabbage, carrots,parsley, toasted almonds, and a tangy apple cider vinegar mustard dressing. It's mayo-free, ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for tacos, sandwiches, burgers, picnics, and summer cookouts.
Check out this recipe

12. Apple Cucumber Salad

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Crisp apple cucumber salad assembled in a bowl.
Cucumber Apple Salad Recipe
This cucumber apple salad is crisp, refreshing, and full of bright sweet-tart flavor. Made with just 5 ingredients in 10 minutes, it's an easy no-cook side dish for picnics, potlucks, and BBQs.
Check out this recipe

13. Roasted Potatoes with Chimichurri

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roasted red potatoes with cilantro chimichurri in a white bowl
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

14. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

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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

🥧 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

15
Gluten free peach crisp in a baking dish.
Gluten Free Peach Crisp Recipe
This easy gluten free peach crisp features juicy, lightly sweetened peaches under a buttery almond flour and oat topping. Naturally dairy-free and vegan, it takes just 15 minutes to prep and can be made with fresh or frozen peaches.
Check out this recipe

16. Death By Chocolate Zucchini Bread

16
Double chocolate zucchini bread sliced with parchment paper.
Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
This double chocolate zucchini bread is ultra-moist, extra chocolatey, and easy to make in one bowl. It's the perfect way to use up summer zucchini while baking something that tastes like dessert!
Check out this recipe

17. Vegan Fruit Tart

17
vegan fruit tart with kiwi and berries on a platter and surrounded by more berries.
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

18. Roasted Cauliflower Salad

18
Warm roasted cauliflower salad with arugula.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad Recipe
This roasted cauliflower salad is my go-to when I want a salad that actually eats like a meal: caramelized, well-browned cauliflower, peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, and nutty Gruyère tossed in a bright red wine vinaigrette. The key is simple technique: dry florets and a hot, uncrowded pan so the cauliflower roasts (not steams). Serve it warm or at room temp; it's ideal for meal prep or a holiday side dish.
Check out this recipe

19. Vegan Peanut Butter Pie

19
Creamy peanut butter pie with one slice cut and garnished with peanuts.
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

20. Apricot Gluten-Free Galette

20
Sliced apricot galette on a baking sheet topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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

21. Black Forest Pie

21
black forest pie in a pan with two forks in background.
(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

22. Strawberry Cake

22
Strawberry vanilla cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Strawberry Vanilla Cake Recipe
This strawberry vanilla cake is a rustic one-layer dessert with a tender buttermilk crumb, a hint of almond, and juicy strawberries baked right into the cake. Top it with vanilla whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an easy spring or summer dessert.
Check out this recipe

23. Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake

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blueberry lemon pound cake sliced onto parchment paper.
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

🍽 More Side Dish Recipes

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Comments

  1. Monica says

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

    Reply

    • Gastronotherapy says

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

      Reply

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