$1.20 recipe / $0.30 per batch Prep 5 minutes Yield: 4 batches (enough for 4 pounds of
Why Make Your Own
Growing up, my mom always reached for those little store-bought packets whenever we had Sloppy Joes night. They were convenient but expensive! Now that I’m cooking on a tight budget, I’ve learned that making your own Sloppy Joe seasoning is ridiculously easy and WAY cheaper.
This homemade seasoning mix costs about 30¢ per batch compared to $1.50+ for those little packets. Plus, you can control exactly what goes in it (no weird preservatives or mystery ingredients). It takes literally 5 minutes to mix together and uses spices you probably already have in your cabinet.
All recipes are thoroughly tested in my home kitchen to ensure they’re easy, affordable, and delicious!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own Sloppy Joe seasoning mix:
- 2 Tbsp paprika ($0.20)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.08)
- 1 Tbsp onion powder ($0.15)
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder ($0.15)
- 1 Tbsp dried mustard ($0.20)
- 2 tsp chili powder ($0.10)
- 1 tsp salt ($0.03)
- 1 tsp black pepper ($0.05)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.04) (optional, for heat)
Total cost: $1.00 (prices may vary by location)
Nutritional Info
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|
| Calories | 470 kcal |
| Total Fat | 21 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| – Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
Instructions
Spices in small bowls on a table.
- Measure all spices into a small bowl.
Spices being mixed together.
- Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
Seasoning mix being funneled into a small jar.
- Transfer to an airtight container like a small jar or reused spice container.
Labeled jar of completed seasoning mix.
- Label with the date and contents.
That’s it! Your homemade Sloppy Joe seasoning is ready to use or store.
How to Use This Seasoning
For Classic Sloppy Joes (Serves 4):
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
- 1 small onion, diced ($0.32)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced ($0.79)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced ($0.15)
- 1 lb. ground beef* ($5.49)
- 3 Tbsp of this Sloppy Joe seasoning ($0.30)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ($0.59)
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste ($0.12)
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 hamburger buns ($1.50)
Total: $9.42 / $2.36 per serving
*You can use any fat percentage ground beef. If using a higher fat content beef (like 80/20), drain off excess fat after browning.
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the beef and stir to coat.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Serve on toasted hamburger buns.
Other Budget-Friendly Uses:
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Use lentils or textured vegetable protein instead of beef
- Sloppy Joe Pasta: Mix with pasta and a bit of cheese for a quick dinner
- Stuffed Peppers: Use as seasoning for the filling
- Sloppy Joe Potatoes: Spoon over baked potatoes instead of using buns
Budget Tips
- Replace half the beef with lentils or beans to stretch your meat budget
- Buy spices from bulk bins where you can get exactly what you need
- Look for store-brand spices – they work just as well at half the price
- Make a double or triple batch – the cost per serving goes down even more
- Use bread slices instead of buns when money is really tight (#IYKYK)
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place
- Will stay fresh for up to 6 months
- Label with the date so you know when you made it
- Make a big batch to save time for future meals
Frequently Asked Questions
How much seasoning equals one store-bought packet? About 3 tablespoons of this homemade mix equals one 1.5 oz store-bought packet.
Can I reduce the sodium in this recipe? Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the salt completely according to your dietary needs.
Is this seasoning mix gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check your individual spice labels if you have severe allergies.
Can I make this seasoning mix spicier? Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add some crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
How do I adjust for a more or less sweet flavor? Simply adjust the brown sugar – use less for a more savory flavor or more if you prefer sweeter Sloppy Joes.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag #lowbudgetmeals on Instagram!
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Note: Prices are estimates and may vary based on your location and the stores where you shop.
5-Minute Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix That Saves You Money
Equipment
- – Measuring spoons
- – Small bowl
- – Spoon or whisk
- – Airtight spice jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- – 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- – 1 tablespoon chili powder
- – 2 teaspoons paprika smoked or sweet
- – 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1 teaspoon onion powder
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes * optional, for heat*
- – 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin * optional, for extra depth*
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Mix well with a spoon or whisk until fully blended.
- Store in an airtight spice jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- To use: Add 2–3 tablespoons per 1 to 2 pounds of cooked ground meat. Mix in with 1/2 cup tomato sauce or ketchup and simmer for 5–10 minutes before serving on buns.
