Wondering what to serve with Sloppy Joes? Try these easy side dish ideas — from chips and fries to homemade coleslaw, pasta salad, and baked beans — for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
If you're scratching your head wondering what to serve with Sloppy Joes, I’ve got several delicious answers for you! These side dishes complement the sweet and savory goodness of your sandwiches perfectly.
If you want all that and a bag of chips... read on!
Why You’ll Love These Sloppy Joe Sides
The main dish part of dinner always feels like the easy part, doesn’t it? But figuring out what to serve alongside those saucy, messy sandwiches can be another story.
These side dish ideas pair beautifully with my Old-Fashioned Sloppy Joes. You know, the kind made with ground beef, a tangy tomato sauce, a little brown sugar, and a splash of Worcestershire. They’re comfort food at its finest and a guaranteed hit with the whole family.
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Toppings for Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
Before we dig into sides, don’t forget that you can take your Sloppy Joes to the next level with toppings right from your fridge condiments! A few of my favorites:
- Thinly sliced red onions
- Dill pickle slices
- Sour cream or ranch drizzle
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
Easy Store-Bought Sides
Let’s start with the simplest route: grab-and-go sides that save time but still deliver big on flavor.
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If I had to pick just one, it would be a plain old bag of potato chips. Hear me out — those crunchy chips are perfect for catching the extra Sloppy Joe sauce that drips off your bun (and yes, it will happen). Keep a spoon nearby and scoop up every last bite!
Other great store-bought side options:
- Sweet potato fries or waffle fries
- Onion rings
- Tater tots
- Dill pickles for a tangy crunch
- Or use the Sloppy Joe mixture to top cheesy tots — aka “totchos”
Meals on the Go
If you’re packing dinner for the tractor, the ball field, or a busy weeknight, Sloppy Joes are already a portable win. Load out the crockpot and pair them with sides that travel well:
- Small cups of coleslaw or chicken bacon ranch pasta salad
- Single-serve fruit cups or apple slices
- Baggies of chips, pretzels, or veggie sticks
Portable foods are my specialty, and these ideas keep everyone full and happy!
Meals on the go
Portable foods are my specialty! Be sure to check out my cold lunch ideas and meals on the go checklists!
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