National Sloppy Joe Day falls on March 18, celebrating the saucy, gloriously messy sandwich that has earned a permanent spot on the American table.
The origin story is murky, which somehow feels appropriate. Many food historians point to a cook named Joe at Floyd Angell’s café in Sioux City, Iowa, who in the 1930s reportedly added tomato sauce to a loose meat sandwich. Others trace it to Cuba or New Jersey.
The best way to mark the day is to make one. Reach for a can of Manwich or mix your own sauce from ketchup, Worcestershire, onions, and brown sugar.
National Sloppy Joe Day
How sloppy are you?
Five questions. One verdict.
Facts about Sloppy Joes
- The Sloppy Joe evolved from the loose meat sandwich — ground beef with seasoning on a bun, no sauce. Around 1930, a cook named Joe at a café in Sioux City, Iowa reportedly added tomato sauce to the mix, and the messier, saucier version we know today was born.
- The name is its own rabbit hole. One theory traces it to a bar in Havana opened by José "Sloppy Joe" Abeal y Otero around 1917, frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Errol Flynn. Hemingway later convinced a bar owner in Key West to rename his place Sloppy Joe's and start serving the sandwich. Then there's New Jersey, where a completely different sandwich — deli meats, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on rye — also goes by the same name. Nobody has fully settled it.
- In January 1993, Adam Sandler performed the "Lunch Lady Land" sketch on Saturday Night Live, with Chris Farley in a hairnet doing interpretive dance. Two years later, Billy Madison gave the sandwich another memorable moment when the lunch lady declares she made them "extra sloppy."
- Ground turkey and chicken are common swaps for beef. Lentils or jackfruit work well for a vegetarian version.
How People Celebrate
National Sloppy Joe Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this comforting classic. Here are some ideas to make the day extra special:
- Cook up a batch of homemade Sloppy Joes using a favorite family recipe or trying a new twist. Pair them with coleslaw, pickles, or fries for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Explore regional variations or try a vegetarian or vegan Sloppy Joe recipe for a fresh take on the dish. Lentils, jackfruit, or plant-based ground meat make excellent substitutes.
- Share your Sloppy Joe celebration on social media using the hashtag #NationalSloppyJoeDay. Post photos, recipes, or fun facts to inspire others to join in.
- Visit a local diner or restaurant known for its Sloppy Joes. Supporting small businesses while enjoying your favorite comfort food is a win-win!
