These BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes are a flavor-packed twist on a classic comfort food, ready in just 17 minutes. Juicy, tender pork is smothered in a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, creating a rich, tangy filling that’s perfect for piling onto soft buns. The combination of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice, makes every bite irresistible.
With a prep time of only 5 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. The hearty texture of the pork, paired with the sticky, caramelized sauce, delivers a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
What You’ll Need for BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes
- 1 lb Italian pork sausage (or substitute with ground beef or turkey for a lighter option)
- ½ onion, diced (yellow or white onion works best)
- 18 oz BBQ sauce (use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce)
- 6 hamburger buns (brioche buns add extra richness)
- 3 Tablespoons butter, melted (for toasting the buns)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (pre-cooked bacon works for convenience)
- 12 slices red onion (thinly sliced for a crisp texture)
- 1 cup sliced bread and butter pickles (dill pickles can be used for a tangier flavor)
How to Make BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes
- Cook the sausage and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian pork sausage and diced onion together. Break the sausage into small pieces with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add BBQ sauce: Stir in 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce (adjust to taste) and heat the mixture through, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare the buns: Preheat your broiler. Place the hamburger buns on a cookie sheet, cut side up. Brush the inside of each bun with melted butter. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely, until the buns are lightly golden (be careful not to burn them).
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread the meat mixture evenly onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with crumbled bacon, red onion slices, and a generous layer of bread and butter pickles. Add the top bun and serve immediately.
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the recipe calls for BBQ sauce, you can switch things up with spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy honey mustard drizzle for extra flavor. For toppings, try adding avocado slices or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the bread and butter pickles for spicy jalapeños or kimchi for a bold kick!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes pair wonderfully with crispy sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw for a balanced meal. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh garden salad or grilled corn on the cob. Don’t forget a cold drink—iced tea or a citrusy beer complements the smoky flavors perfectly!
Quick Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. For the buns, toast them fresh each time to maintain that crispy texture. You can also freeze the meat mixture for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
To save time, cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also use pre-diced onions or a food processor to chop them quickly. If you’re in a rush, skip broiling the buns and simply toast them in a toaster for a similar effect. For an even faster meal, use pre-cooked sausage crumbles and heat them with the BBQ sauce directly.
Recipe Variations to Try
Swap the Italian pork sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Vegetarian? Use lentils or crumbled tofu as a meat substitute. For a smoky twist, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce. You can also experiment with different buns—try pretzel buns or ciabatta rolls for a gourmet touch!
BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb italian pork sausage
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 18 oz bbq sauce
- 6 hamburger buns
- 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 12 slices red onion
- 1 cup sliced bread and butter pickles
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and onion together in a pan. You’ll want to brown the sausage all the way through until completely cooked. Drain grease well. Then add in about 1 ½ cups of the bbq sauce. You may add more for your liking. Heat through.
- Spread the open hamburger buns on a cookie sheet. Spread butter on the inside of each bun and broil for about 1-2 minutes until barely golden. (watch closely so they don’t burn) Remove from oven and spread the meat mixture onto the bottom half of the bun. Top with cooked bacon crumbles, onion slices, and pickles.