Look no further for what to serve with Sloppy Joes! In this list of more than 22 side dishes for Sloppy Joes there is something for everyone: veggies, potatoes, bread, beans and more - from healthy to indulgent and everything in between.
Growing up, a Sloppy Joe sandwich was a rare treat for me.
It's definitely not a thing in Sweden, but whenever we travelled to the US Dad and I would ditch Mom one day, and head to Arby's. There we'd devour a Sloppy Joe or two covered in tomato sauce with extra barbecue sauce, and that was about it until we returned the year after.
As an adult, I still have them far too seldom. But let's change that, shall we? With amazing ground beef versions and equally delicious vegetarian versions like my friend Katie's Lentil Sloppy Joes I really don't have an excuse anymore.
Not to mention the list of some of my favorite side dishes that you'll find below... all quick and easy to make, of course!
Potato Sides
Potato side dishes like fries are a classic for Sloppy Joes. Check out the options below for a few classics, as well as a few new versions.
Fries
16-18 minutes
Fries these days come in all shapes and sizes and I've yet to find a version that doesn't go great with Sloppy Joes. From the classic choice of French fries to sweet potato fries and waffle fries, they're some of the best sides for your meal.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon
20 minutes
Softer than fries, more baked than fried - and deliciously seasoned with just a little bit of salt and cinnamon. These Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are definitely worth the time!
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
20 minutes
These Air Fryer Potato Wedges are crispy on the outside - and perfectly baked on the inside. The best wedge you'll ever have - seasoned with just a tiny bit of salt and olive oil.
Fried Potato Salad with Bacon
30 minutes
Potatoes fried in bacon fat can't go wrong - especially not if it's served with bacon and you still get to call it a salad!
Mashed Potatoes
30 minutes
The best Mashed Potatoes are made without milk - just add extra butter for the creamiest mashed potatos ever.
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
35 minutes
These roasted potatoes are super easy to make and lightly seasoned with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs and sea salt. A perfect side that allows your Joe's to shine!
Garlicky Smashed Potatoes
40 minutes
If you've got a bit more time these Garlicky Smashed Potatoes are a must to try! So delicious with garlic, butter and Parmesan cheese, and sure to turn your Sloppy Joe dinner into a feast.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
45 minutes
Sides don't get much more indulgent than this! Mashed potatoes are loaded with cheese, bacon and sour cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Tater Tots
50 minutes
Another classic side for Sloppy Joes - and this version of Air Fryer Tater Tots is 100% homemade. Quick to make when starting with boiled potatoes, and seasoned to perfection.
Pasta Sides
A pasta salad is a great side when you want to serve Sloppy Joes for a crowd - and make it a complete meal. Below are multiple versions, depending on which flavor profile you're after.
Macaroni Salad
15 minutes
This Healthy Macaroni Salad is made with a lighter dressing than the classic recipe and has chunks of hard boiled eggs and crisp vegetables.
Dill Pickles Pasta Salad
15 minutes
Combine 2 classic Sloppy Joe sides in one with this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. Creamy pasta combines with dill pickle juice to create the perfect side dish.
Ranch Pasta Salad
30 minutes
Ranch flavors are what makes this pasta salad stand out - and makes it the perfect side for any bbq type dish.
Mac and Cheese
65 minutes
This simple Macaroni and Cheese is the best version of this dish you'll ever make. And so easy too - just dump and bake.
Bean Sides
Beans are another classic side for Sloppy Joes, and possible to vary in so many ways. While baked beans do take a while to make it's mostly waiting time, while the beans are baking themselves.
Barbecue Baked Beans
2 hours+
These baked beans are so flavor packed you'll want to have them as a side for anything - and they're easy to make, you can even use canned beans!
Boston Baked Beans
4 hours+
These sweet & savory baked beans are a true comfort food. Molasses and Worcestershire sauce add loads of depth, and bacon takes it all to the next level.
Snacky Sides
Onion Rings
12 minutes
Onion rings are great for a snacky side for your Sloppy Joes - the gentle bite from the onion is a great pairing for all that barbecue sauce.
Tortilla Chips
13 minutes
Sure, you can buy amazing Tortilla Chips - but it's so much more fun making them yourself! And once you find out how easy it is, there's really no going back.
Potato Chips
1 hour
Making potato chips at home is also so much easier than you think. It takes some time, but a lot of it is just waiting.
Bread Sides
For some the hamburger buns are enough, but I love some extra bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.
Biscuits
20 minutes
Flaky biscuits go great with any BBQ type dish. These cheddar cheese biscuits are no exception!
Cornbread
30 minutes
Cornbread is another must to serve with Sloppy Joes. This version uses almond flour to make it gluten free!
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Veggie Sides
Adding some veggies to your Sloppy Joes is a great move. Have your comfort food, and make it healthier too!
Green Beans
9 minutes
There's something about crisp and earthy green beans that pairs so well with Sloppy Joes. A great choice for adding some healthiness to your meal!
Cauliflower Coleslaw
10 minutes
Change it up with cauliflower instead of cabbage in your coleslaw. This fresh and pretty light coleslaw version has a nice kick from Dijon mustard.
Ranch Coleslaw
15 minutes
With store-bought mayonnaise & ranch dressing this Ranch Coleslaw couldn't be easier to make - or more loaded with flavor!
Cheesy Corn
15 minutes
Cheesy corn is a delicious side, and the creaminess goes great with Sloppy Joes. A great alternative to corn on the cob!
Which recipe are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below and share what you're making on Instagram with the tag #alwaysusebutter!
Kathryn
There are so many delicious recipes! Thanks for using my macaroni salad 🙂