The BEST gluten-free sloppy joe recipe that’s not only delicious, but also quick and easy to make! Made with real ingredients instead of canned sauce. Make this recipe for a crowd-pleasing dinner any night!
Are you a fan of sloppy joes? These gluten-free sloppy joes are one of my kids all-time favorite meals. With a BBQ-sauce-based sauce that is full of flavorful ingredients, this recipe will win over any sloppy-joe skeptic.
This is a great recipe to have in your back pocket whenever you need a quick and easy meal that’s also a crowd-pleaser. Serve them up with some gluten-free buns and dairy-free coleslaw and you’ve got a great meal for any occasion.
For more gluten-free dinner use this gluten-free enchilada sauce to make delicious chicken enchiladas.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes
To ensure these sloppy joes are gluten-free, you’ll have to keep a few things in mind.
- BBQ Sauce: Pick a BBQ sauce that is labeled certified gluten-free. The most common brands you can find are Stubbs or Sweet Baby Rays. I prefer Stubbs original for these sloppy joes.
- Tamari: AKA gluten-free soy sauce. Tamari is made with 100% soy beans rather than a mixture of wheat and soy beans.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Lea & Perrins brand is labeled gluten-free and is a good option.
- Ketchup: I’ve never seen a brand of ketchup that isn’t gluten-free so most any kind will work. I use the kind from Trader Joe’s to avoid HFCS.
How to Make Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it comes together so quickly. It’s also a one-pot meal.
- Start by heating the oil and onions in a large pot. Cook until softened.
- Add the meat (ground beef or turkey both work great) and brown, breaking up with a wooden spoon until cooked through.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain off any excess grease and return the meat/onion mixture to the pan.
- Add all the ingredients for the sauce to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until combined and heated through. Serve on toasted gluten-free buns!
Gluten-Free Buns
There are several brands of gluten-free buns I’d recommend. My very favorite are the gluten-free hamburger buns from Trader Joe’s (pictured above). However, those are only available during the summer months (stock your freezer!). I also love Canyon Bakehouse gluten-free buns.
Storage/Freezing Instructions
Whenever I make these gluten-free sloppy joes I double the recipe and freeze a meal for later.
- To Freeze: Cool in the refrigerator before transferring to a ziploc freezer bag to freeze.
- To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat, or defrost in the microwave until heated through.
More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes
- Gluten-Free Chili is our family’s tried and true recipe! A little spicy and full of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Beef Stew makes a comforting meal any time of year.
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a reader-favorite and so easy to make.
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The Best Sloppy Joes (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 ½ pounds ground beef or turkey
- ⅔ cup bbq sauce, be sure it is gluten-free, I like Stubbs
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup tamari, (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, be sure it is gluten-free
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 gluten-free buns,
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil and chopped onion. Saute until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the meat and cook, stirring and breaking it up until it is finely ground. Cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the grease off the meat and vegetables.
- Stir in the bbq sauce, ketchup, tamari, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce and ½ teaspoon ground pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
- Serve over toasted buns. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- BBQ Sauce: Pick a BBQ sauce that is labeled certified gluten-free. The most common brands you can find are Stubbs or Sweet Baby Rays. I prefer Stubbs original for these sloppy joes.
- Tamari: AKA gluten-free soy sauce. Tamari is made with 100% soy beans rather than a mixture of wheat and soy beans.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Lea & Perrins brand is labeled gluten-free and is a good option.
- Ketchup: I’ve never seen a brand of ketchup that isn’t gluten-free so most any kind will work. I use the kind from Trader Joe’s to avoid HFCS.
- To Freeze: Cool in the refrigerator before transferring to a ziploc freezer bag to freeze.
- To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat, or defrost in the microwave until heated through.
Teresa Briggs says
This was really very good! I was craving sloppy Joes all day and decided to make this. Yummy!
Carla Schillig says
I made this yesterday for our RV Park didn’t tell them it was gluten free. They LOVED IT!! We have a resident that needs gluten free. I try to make meals that she can eat AA mych as I can.
Madison says
These sloppy joes are SO flavorful! It takes me back to my childhood.
Debbie Lykes says
Wonderful recipe, totally comfort food. I have never cooked gluten free before, but found everything I needed at Whole Foods. Took the meal to the family of an ill co-worker. His kids were so excited, in fact one chased me out to the car to let me know it was “to die for.” Awe, made me so happy! Thank you!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Terry says
This is now a regular meal that my partner and I love. I became gluten free March of 2016 and thought it would be hard but recipes like this one has
Made it a much easier transitions. I make this at least once every two week
Erin Collins says
I’m so happy to hear this! Glad the recipe have been helpful!
Amber Neff says
Hi,
I’m anxious to try this recipe for a get together I’m having next wwwk and at least two of us are gluten intolerant or Barley allergic. Can you recommend a BBQ sauce that is both barley free and GF??
Thansk so much.
Amber
Erin Collins says
Hi Amber! Stubbs BBQ sauce or Sweet Baby Ray’s are both gluten-free! Let me know if you have any more questions.