Simple sloppy joe side dishes you can serve with your sandwiches for dinner. From vegetables to French fries, salad dishes and more. This is how to take your meal to the next level with creative or classic side dishes that are cold or hot for your guests.
Ever since my kids were little they absolutely loved my sloppy joes recipe! I would switch it up serving it inside buns, as sliders, or inside a hand pies. Depending on what it was I would make sides that went well, and now we are here to share our ideas with all of you. (affiliate links present)
Loose meat sandwiches are a classic American comfort food made with ground beef or another ground meat cooked in a tomato-based sauce and served on a bun. When it comes to serving them there are several delicious side dishes from Frozen Corn on the Cob to fries you can pair with them to create a well rounded and satisfying meal.
You can use any meat you would like to make the main dish. Ground turkey sloppy joes would be lowest in fat while sausage would have the most but also gives you more flavor overall, you choose. Use large buns like you see here above or smaller served as sloppy joes sliders too.
What should you serve with sloppy joes?
Now there are many tweaks out there to make the original out of the ordinary like our sloppy joe Philly cheesesteak. If you are here you want just the basic loose meat sandwich. I get it. There are directions to how to make “regular” ones below for your liking as we talk about the “extras” you’ll like to pair with this like;
- Crispy, salty potatoes are a classic choice to complement the saucy and savory Joes.
- Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw provides a cool and slightly sweet contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of homemade Sloppy Joes. It’s also great for adding some crunch.
- Pickles, whether dill or bread-and-butter, can add a tangy and crunchy element to your easy recipe meal. You can serve them on the side or even inside the sandwich.
- Grilled or microwave corn on the cob is a perfect side dish for sloppy joes. It’s a simple, wholesome choice that pairs well with the flavors of the sandwich.
- Instant Pot baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that complements the sweetness of the Sloppy Joe sauce. They are also a classic choice for backyard barbecues.
- Creamy mac and cheese can be a comforting side that both kids and adults love with any of our homemade sloppy joes recipes. Everyone will love alongside this classic meal. Served warm or cold like macaroni salad, either way works great as sides to serve with sloppy joes.
Remember that the choices can vary depending on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Feel free to mix and match to create your ideal duos…….but wait, we have more choices below too.
There are many ways to serve these too though. You don’t just have to put it in the middle of a bun either. We love it in the center of our Hand Meat Pies with puff pastry. Or use refrigerated pie crust and those are fun for the kids. Your side may be different depending on which way you serve the main dish too….
What are the best Sides for Sloppy Joes?
- A fresh green or corn salad recipe with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of Sloppy Joes. Add some fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- For a healthier alternative to regular French fries, try air fryer sweet potato fries. They’re sweet, slightly spicy, and pair well with the savory Sloppy Joes.
- A colorful fruit salad with a mix of fresh fruits like melons, berries, and citrus segments is great. Something like this can add a refreshing touch to your meal.
- Crispy, battered and fried onion rings can be a delicious and indulgent side dish to enjoy with your Sloppy Joes.
- Steamed, roasted or boiled broccoli or green beans provide a nutritious and lighter option to balance out the meal.
- Warm garlic bread or garlic toast can be a tasty accompaniment to these. Especially if you want to turn your meal into a sandwich.
If you are going to a potluck in the hot sun you might prefer something cool. You just prep the ingredients. Cool and throw together with a light dressing for an easy side dish full of flavor. Pasta salads of any kind work well with this as it is typically creamy like potato salad or coleslaw to top our Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes is great.
Choosing the best side dish to complement your main course depends on various factors. Include the flavors and ingredients of the main dish, your personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and the occasion. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect side dish:
Best Side Dish to serve with Ground Beef
- Look for something that complement the flavors of the main course. For example, if your main dish is spicy, consider a cooling and refreshing side like a cucumber salad.
- Think about texture. If your main dish is softer like our Sloppy Lentil Joes, pair it with a side dish that offers some crunch or crispiness. Think of things such as roasted vegetables or coleslaw.
- Take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb options. Make sure there are side dishes that accommodate everyone’s needs.
- Use seasonal ingredients to inspire your side dishes. Fresh, in season produce tends to be more flavorful and readily available, making it a great choice for side dishes.
- Think about the visual appeal of your meal. A colorful side dish can make your meal more visually appealing and appetizing. It’s also an opportunity to add variety to the plate.
- Pair a protein rich main course with vegetables or grains to create a well rounded meal.
- Consider classic pairings. There’s a reason why certain side dishes are classic companions to specific main courses. For example, steak often goes well with mashed potatoes.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations. Sometimes unexpected pairings can be surprisingly delicious.
- Consider the temperature as hot sides are great for warming meals, while cold sides are refreshing in warmer weather.
- Sometimes, the simplest side dishes can be the best. A perfectly cooked and seasoned vegetable medley or a bowl of steamed rice can be just what you need to complete a meal.
- If you’re cooking for a group, consider asking your guests if they have any favorite side dishes or dietary restrictions. Try to accommodate their preferences.
Ultimately, choosing the best comes down to your personal taste and the context of the meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different combinations until you find what works best for you and your guests.
Now you can use a side to be actually part of the actual meal. What I mean by this is think outside of the box. When it comes to fries and air fryer tater tots they become enough carbs where you really only want to dive into one so make that your “bun”. Let’s talk about this for a hot second shall we….
What I mean by this is bake in the oven or in your Ninja Foodi until crisp. Let the meat sit in the sauce to marinate and get even better, covered on the stove. Then spoon some tots into a bowl. Cover with the meat and we love cheese on top of all the things.
But wait….there’s more. Let’s talk chips. You could do the same thing where the side becomes the main dish. LIke with air fryer nachos, this killer meat mixture can be served on top!! You following me here?? Layer it on, then the cheese on top of there and jalapenos if you dare. Let it melt and get brown and bubbly on the top. OH yes I did!! Get that you don’t have to serve these independently, but together sometimes is added fun.
