Just a few ingredients, including a can of chicken gumbo soup, are needed for this variation on sloppy joe sandwiches. "I made this recipe often when I was working because it's done in a hurry," recalls Wanda Stonebraker of Wheatfield, Indiana.

Sloppy Joes with Chicken Gumbo Soup

You’ve heard of sloppy joes—that classic sandwich served in every school cafeteria in America—but have you heard of sloppy joes with chicken gumbo soup? Even tastier than the original, this version of sloppy joes incorporates just a few simple ingredients, including beef, onion and, crucially, condensed chicken gumbo soup. It doesn’t get easier or quicker than this recipe, which comes together in less than 30 minutes. Serve your chicken gumbo sloppy joes with a side of veggies, salad or French fries for a well-rounded (and nostalgic) meal.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joes with Chicken Gumbo Soup
- Ground beef: An 80/20 blend is ideal for the juiciest texture.
- Chopped onion: Take time to let your onions caramelize for the best flavor.
- Condensed chicken gumbo soup: The spice blend and umami flavor of condensed chicken gumbo soup is what elevates these sandwiches.
- Ketchup and mustard: You can also substitute tomato paste for some (or all) of the ketchup if you want a deeper tomato flavor.
- Hamburger buns: Toast the buns first to give some nice crispness to these sandwiches.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the beef
In a large skillet, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain.
Editor’s Tip: Drain off the grease before moving on to the next step, but don’t rinse the meat.
Step 2: Add the other ingredients and serve
Add the soup, ketchup and mustard. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes or until the mixture reaches its desired thickness. Serve on buns.
Sloppy Joes with Chicken Gumbo Soup Recipe Variations
- Make them spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or Tabasco for a bit of spice.
- Use a different meat: Swap the beef for ground turkey, shrimp or andouille sausage.
How to Store Sloppy Joes with Chicken Gumbo Soup
Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.
Can you freeze these sloppy joes?
Yes, you can freeze this sloppy joes mixture and thaw and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Store the mixture in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Sloppy Joes with Chicken Gumbo Soup Recipe Tips
What should I serve with these chicken gumbo sloppy joes?
Serve these sloppy joes with salad or fries (or both!), plus a pickle.
Can I make these sandwiches with another type of canned soup?
Yes, you can make sloppy joes with canned tomato soup (for a deep tomato flavor), vegetable soup or cream of mushroom soup if you’d prefer.
Can I use the sloppy joe mixture in other ways?
Yes, you don’t have to solely use the mixture in sandwiches. Serve it over mac and cheese or rice, or use it as a dip for potato chips.
Gumbo Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed chicken gumbo soup, undiluted
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1-1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard
- 6 to 7 hamburger buns, split
Directions
- In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the soup, ketchup and mustard; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes or until mixture reaches desired thickness. Serve on buns.