These chicken gumbo sloppy joes take the classic weeknight sandwich in a Southern direction. Ground beef and onions simmer with condensed chicken gumbo soup, mustard, and ketchup until thick and savory, then get piled onto toasted brioche buns. Dinner is on the table in about 30 minutes.
The soup does double duty as the sauce and the seasoning, so there is almost no chopping and very little to measure. The result is a filling that tastes mildly spiced, a little tangy, and a lot more interesting than the usual tomato heavy version.
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Why This Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes Recipe Works
Condensed gumbo soup already contains rice, chicken, okra, and seasoning, so it thickens as it simmers and brings a gentle, savory heat. You get a rich sauce without building one from scratch.
A spoonful of yellow mustard and ketchup balances the soup, adding tang and a touch of sweetness. Toasting the buns in the oven keeps them from going soft under the filling.
Ingredients for Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed chicken gumbo soup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 large brioche buns
Lean ground beef: Lean beef keeps the filling from getting greasy. Ground turkey is a lighter swap.
Chicken gumbo soup: It is the heart of the recipe. The spice level depends on the variety you buy, so check the label if you want it mild.
Yellow mustard and ketchup: They add tang and sweetness. Taste and adjust at the end.
Onion powder: It deepens the savory flavor without adding more moisture.
Brioche buns: Their soft, buttery texture suits the saucy filling. Six regular hamburger buns also work.
How to Make Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes
1. Heat the oven. Preheat to 400 degrees F for toasting the buns.
2. Brown the beef and onions. Add the beef and onions to a large skillet over medium high heat. Crumble the meat well as it cooks, until no pink remains and the onions soften.
3. Drain. Spoon off the extra fat and reduce the heat to medium. The beef should reach 160 degrees F.
4. Add the sauce. Stir in the soup, mustard, ketchup, pepper, and onion powder until combined.
5. Simmer. Let the mixture bubble for about 4 minutes until the liquid thickens, then lower the heat.
6. Toast the buns. Place the buns in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake 4 to 6 minutes until lightly browned.
7. Serve. Scoop the filling onto the toasted buns and serve hot.
How to Serve Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes
A crisp side balances the saucy filling. Try air fryer Potato fries for something crunchy, or bring out classic potato salad with eggs for a cookout.
On a cooler night, serve a bowl of ground beef potato soup alongside, or pair the buns with crockpot BBQ beef sandwiches at a casual gathering.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes
Cool the filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate so they stay soft but not soggy.
Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium low heat, stirring until it reaches 165 degrees F. Add a splash of water if it has thickened too much. Do not leave it out for more than two hours.
Tips and Variations for Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes
Drain the beef well. Extra fat thins out the sauce and leaves it greasy.
Skip extra salt. The condensed soup is already seasoned, so taste first.
Dice the onions evenly. Small pieces blend into the sauce and cook through quickly.
Add heat. A few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne gives it a bolder, spicier finish.
Top with pickles. Extra hot sauce or pickles add crunch and tang on the finished sandwich.
Use a slotted spoon. If the filling is loose, spoon it onto the bun with a slotted spoon to keep it tidy.
Cook it safely. Ground beef should reach 160 degrees F. See the FDA food safety guide for general temperature guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes
What do chicken gumbo sloppy joes taste like?
They taste savory and lightly spiced, with a little tang from the mustard and ketchup. The flavor is milder and less sweet than a traditional sloppy joe.
Can I use ground turkey in chicken gumbo sloppy joes?
Yes. Cook the turkey to 165 degrees F and keep an eye on moisture, since it is leaner than beef.
Is chicken gumbo soup spicy?
It depends on the variety. Check the label, and add hot sauce at the table if you want more heat.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns first and fill them right before serving.
Can I freeze the filling?
You can freeze it in a flat, airtight bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat to 165 degrees F.
Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onions diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed chicken gumbo soup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp onion powder
- 4 large brioche buns or 6 regular hamburger buns
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the oven. Preheat to 400 degrees F for toasting the buns.
- Brown. Cook the beef and onions in a large skillet over medium high heat, crumbling well, until no pink remains. The beef should reach 160 degrees F.
- Drain. Spoon off the grease and reduce the heat to medium.
- Simmer. Stir in the soup, mustard, ketchup, pepper, and onion powder and simmer about 4 minutes until thick.
- Toast the buns. Bake the buns in a single layer 4 to 6 minutes until lightly browned.
- Serve. Scoop the filling onto the toasted buns.
