Definition

Noun: A sandwich consisting of cooked, seasoned ground beef (not formed into a patty) in a tomato-based sauce, served hot on a hamburger bun.

Usage

The term "sloppy joe" refers specifically to the sandwich as a whole. It is a common, informal dish in American cuisine. - The school cafeteria is serving sloppy joes for lunch today. - He made a huge batch of sloppy joes for the party.

Advanced Usage

• "Open-faced sloppy joe": A variation where the meat mixture is served on a single, open slice of bread or bun, sometimes topped with cheese.
  • For a less messy version, try an open-faced sloppy joe.

Variants and Related Words

• Sloppy joe sauce: The seasoned tomato-based sauce used in the sandwich.
  • The key to a good sloppy joe is a tangy, slightly sweet sauce.

Synonyms

• Barbecue sandwich (This is a close synonym in some regional contexts, though "barbecue" often implies a different sauce profile.)
• Loose meat sandwich (A more general term for sandwiches with unformed, seasoned ground meat.)

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Sloppy": While not an idiom with "sloppy joe," the adjective "sloppy" describes the sandwich's characteristic messiness when eaten.
  • Eating a sloppy joe without making a mess is nearly impossible.

Noun

1. ground beef (not a patty) cooked in a spicy sauce and served on a bun