If you’ve got some ground beef sitting in the fridge and want something fun to do with it, these Asian Beef Sloppy Joes are a total game changer. They’re everything I love about classic sloppy joes: messy, saucy, and comforting, but with a bold Korean twist that makes them taste way more exciting.
Think sweet, spicy, and a little sticky, all cooked up in one pan in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- Ground beef – I like using lean ground beef or pork so it doesn’t get greasy. Ground turkey or chicken also works great if you want it lighter.
- Gochujang – This Korean chili paste adds that signature spicy-sweet kick. If you can’t find it, mix a little tabasco with miso or chili garlic sauce.
- Soy sauce – The salty umami base that makes it taste like Korean bulgogi. Tamari works fine if you’re gluten-free.
- Brown sugar – Balances out the spice and gives it that glossy finish. You can swap in honey if you prefer.
- Sesame oil – Adds rich, toasty flavor. A little goes a long way—don’t skip it!
- If you like more ground beef recipes, try cabbage and beef and beef tacos next.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
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How To Make Asian Beef Sloppy Joes
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to a hot skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Don't overcook the beef, it will simmer in spices in the next step.
- Mix in the flavor: Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, sesame oil, and gochujang. Let everything bubble for a few minutes until thick and glossy.
- Toast the buns: While the beef finishes, toast your burger buns in a dry pan until golden.
- Assemble the sloppy joes: Spoon the saucy beef onto each bun, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve and enjoy: Eat right away while everything’s warm and messy (the best kind of dinner).
Tips
- I like using lean ground beef so the sauce stays rich but not greasy. If you cook a lot of quick dinners like this, a good nonstick skillet makes cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t skip toasting the buns, those crispy edges make all the difference. I love using my cast iron pan for this since it gives that perfect golden crust.
- Sometimes I toss in shredded carrots or cabbage for crunch and color. A handheld grater or mandoline makes it so much faster.
- If it turns out a bit too spicy, I just mix in extra ketchup or brown sugar until it mellows out. Sweet and spicy balance is everything here.
- I always make a little extra sauce. It’s too good not to drizzle over the top. It’s also great on rice bowls or noodles the next day.
- Honestly, they taste even better after sitting overnight. Store them in a glass meal prep container and reheat for the easiest next-day lunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Kimchi on the side for spice lovers
- Korean cucumber salad
- Crispy sweet potato fries
- Simple steamed broccoli
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze. Freeze the beef mixture (not buns) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- To Make Ahead. Cook the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead and reheat before assembling.
- To Reheat. Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
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Recipe Card
Asian Beef Sloppy Joes
These Asian Beef Sloppy Joes are a quick, easy, and flavorful twist on the classic—sweet, spicy, and ready in just 20 minutes for a family-friendly weeknight dinner.
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By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.
INGREDIENTS
- 14 ounce ground beef
- 4 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- drizzle Gochujang
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 burger buns
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
- chopped green onions, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to a hot skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.14 ounce ground beef
- Mix in the flavor: Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, gochujang, sesame oil. Let everything bubble for a few minutes until thick and glossy.4 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoon brown sugar, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Toast the buns: While the beef finishes, toast your burger buns in a dry pan until golden.4 burger buns
- Assemble the sloppy joes: Spoon the saucy beef onto each bun, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and top with the other half of the bun.1 tablespoon sesame seeds, chopped green onions
- Serve and enjoy: Eat right away while everything’s warm and messy (the best kind of dinner).
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Calories: 463kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 24gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1422mgPotassium: 418mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 78IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 4mg
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Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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