Monster Sloppy Joes Recipe
Introduction
Get ready for a fun and delicious twist on classic sloppy joes with this Monster Sloppy Joes recipe. Perfect for a family meal or a playful dinner, these sandwiches are topped with olive “eyes” that bring a bit of spooky charm to the table.

Ingredients
- 8 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 16 green olives
- 2 lbs. 93/7 ground beef
- 24 oz. can Manwich sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Step 2: Stir in the Manwich sauce to coat all the meat. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Step 3: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, then cover with the top bun.
- Step 4: Use toothpicks to skewer two olives per sandwich and insert them into the top bun to create “monster eyes.” Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté some diced onions or bell peppers with the ground beef before adding the Manwich sauce.
- Try using different types of buns like potato rolls or brioche for a softer texture.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Storage
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Assemble sandwiches fresh to keep the buns from becoming soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Monster Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving and assemble the sandwiches fresh with olives for the eyes.
What can I use instead of green olives for the eyes?
If you don’t have green olives, you can use black olives, cherry tomatoes, or small slices of pickles to create the monster eyes on top of the buns.
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Monster Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
Description
This Monster Sloppy Joes recipe is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, featuring a hearty ground beef mixture simmered in Manwich sauce, served on sesame seed buns with playful olive ‘eyes’ for a monster-themed presentation that’s perfect for parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mix
- 2 lbs. 93/7 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 24 oz. can Manwich sauce
For Assembling
- 8 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 16 green olives
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Place the ground beef in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned, breaking it apart with a spatula for even cooking.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the 24 oz. can of Manwich sauce and stir well to coat all the meat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the sesame seed buns.
- Add Olives ‘Monster Eyes’: Place the top bun on each sandwich. Skewer two green olives with a toothpick to create ‘monster eyes’ and stick them into the top of each bun to complete the spooky look.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, perfect for a casual, fun meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- If you want a spicier flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder with the Manwich.
- These sandwiches pair well with classic sides like fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
- Olives add a fun visual but can be omitted or replaced with small pickles for different flavor and look.
- Leftover sloppy joe meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sloppy joes, ground beef sandwich, kid-friendly dinner, quick dinner, easy recipe, Manwich, sandwich, monster-themed food

