Name: Korean BBQ Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon canola oil or other neutral tasting oil; 4 green onions, thinly sliced (dark green parts reserved); ½ red bell pepper, finely diced; 1 lb lean ground beef; ½ cup Korean BBQ sauce; 4 hamburger buns (Hawaiian or brioche recommended, optional: grill buns cut-side down in butter); Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hey there, food lover! Ready to take a classic comfort food and give it a bold, mouthwatering twist? Say hello to Korean BBQ Sloppy Joes—your new favorite sandwich mashup that’s packed with savory, sweet, and spicy flavors all in one cozy bite. Imagine tender, juicy ground beef simmered in a tangy Korean BBQ sauce, piled high on a soft bun with crunchy slaw or pickled veggies. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s the kind of meal that’s fun to eat, easy to make, and totally addictive. This isn’t your childhood sloppy joe; it’s a flavor-packed game-changer that’s perfect for any night you want something casual but unforgettable.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

Why You’ll Love Korean BBQ Sloppy Joes

Versatile

Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a casual party, or just craving something quick and delicious, this recipe fits every occasion. It’s simple enough for weeknights but bold enough to impress guests.

Budget-Friendly

Made with affordable pantry staples like ground beef and a few pantry-friendly Korean BBQ ingredients, it proves that flavor doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.

Quick and Easy

In under 30 minutes, you’ve got a saucy, flavorful filling ready to pile on buns. Perfect for busy nights when you want comfort without fuss.

Customizable

Feel free to spice it up with extra gochujang or add crunchy kimchi for that authentic Korean flair. Or keep it mild for little ones who might be hesitant with bold flavors.

Crowd-Pleasing

Everyone loves sloppy joes—but these Korean BBQ ones bring an exciting twist that keeps people coming back for more. Perfect for both adventurous eaters and comfort food fans alike.

Ingredients in Korean BBQ Sloppy Joes

Here’s the flavor-packed lineup that makes these sandwiches unforgettable:
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ground Beef: The hearty base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.

Korean BBQ Sauce: A tangy, sweet, and spicy blend featuring soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness.

Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a smoky heat that takes the sloppy joe to the next level.

Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that build flavor depth.

Brown Sugar: Balances the heat with just the right amount of sweetness.

Rice Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note to cut through the richness.

Buns: Soft sandwich buns, perfect for soaking up every delicious bite.

Optional Toppings: Pickled veggies, shredded cabbage slaw, sliced scallions, or sesame seeds for crunch and freshness.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and make these Korean BBQ Sloppy Joes a reality:

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to get ready for browning the beef.

Combine Ingredients: Brown the ground beef with diced onions and garlic until cooked through and fragrant. Drain excess fat.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: No special prep needed for the skillet—just a sturdy pan works best.

Assemble the Dish: Stir in the Korean BBQ sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken for about 10 minutes.

Cook to Perfection: Let the mixture bubble away until thick and glossy, coating the beef in that irresistible sauce.

Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning—add more gochujang if you like it spicy or a splash of soy sauce for saltiness.

Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the saucy beef onto warm buns and top with your favorite crunchy slaw or pickled veggies. Dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Korean BBQ Sloppy Joes

Fresh Salads: A simple cucumber salad or Asian slaw brings cool crunch and contrast.

Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet fries complement the savory sloppy joes perfectly.

Pickled Veggies: Kimchi or quick-pickled radishes add tang and brightness.

Vegetable Sides: Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots balance out the meal.

As a Standalone: These sandwiches are filling and flavorful enough to enjoy on their own—just grab a napkin and get ready for messy bliss.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop onions and garlic in advance to speed things up.

Spice It Up: Add extra gochujang or a sprinkle of chili flakes for more heat.

Dietary Adjustments: Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Double the Batch: Easy to double for bigger crowds or meal prep.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work great.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the beef mixture, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, freeze the cooked filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: For sure! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches.

Q7: Can I make it less spicy?
A7: Yes, reduce or omit the gochujang and add a bit more brown sugar for balance.

Q8: What buns work best?
A8: Soft brioche or potato buns soak up the sauce beautifully.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A9: Yes, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots are delicious additions.

Q10: What toppings do you recommend?
A10: Pickled veggies, shredded cabbage, sliced scallions, and sesame seeds add crunch and freshness.

Conclusion

There you have it—a wildly flavorful spin on a classic comfort favorite. Korean BBQ Sloppy Joes are easy, quick, and packed with bold flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party treat, this recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in every messy, delicious bite. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love every saucy mouthful!