Name: Sloppy Joe Pockets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: America
Ingredients: 2 packages Pillsbury crescent rolls; 1 pound lean ground beef; 15-ounce can Sloppy Joe sauce

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Sloppy Joe pockets are a delicious way to enjoy that comforting sloppy Joe flavor in a less messy form. The flaky crescent rolls hold the saucy beef filling perfectly, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

A close up of Sloppy Joe Pockets with the front pulled slightly apart to show the inside

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If you’re like me and love sloppy joes but don’t love the mess, these sloppy Joe pockets are a game-changer! (We call them UNsloppy joes!)

They are packed with all the flavors we know and love, but wrapped in a flaky crescent roll that keeps everything tidy, like homemade sloppy joe hot pockets. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a classic without the drips!

What is a sloppy joe?

A sloppy joe is a classic American sandwich with ground beef, onions, and a tangy tomato-based sauce. The mixture is typically served on a hamburger bun, making for a deliciously messy and satisfying meal.

But in this recipe, I made it into a mess-free form, turning it into a convenient and tasty handheld treat with flaky crescent dough.

Why I love this recipe

It’s a hit with my kids! They love the fun, handheld version, and I love that they’re getting a hearty meal.
This recipe is perfect for busy days. It takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a lifesaver when we need a fast and delicious meal, just like our sloppy Joe casserole.

Ingredients

Pillsbury crescent rolls
ground beef
sloppy joe sauce

Step by step

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat.
Add the sloppy joe mix to the beef and cook according to the package directions. Set aside.
Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
Roll out the chilled crescent dough on a baking sheet. Separate the dough into 8 rectangles, each made of 2 crescent rolls. Use your fingers to press and seal the perforations between the crescents.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the sloppy joe mixture onto each rectangle, leaving enough space around the edges to seal.
Fold the dough over the meat filling, then use the tines of a fork to press and seal the edges, then place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the pockets are golden brown.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for best results

Seal the edges well: Use a fork to really press down the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
Don’t overfill: A little goes a long way. Leave enough room to properly seal the pockets.
Chill the dough: Keep your crescent dough in the fridge until you’re ready to use it so it doesn’t get too soft to work with.

Variations

You can add some shredded cheddar cheese to the filling or toss in finely chopped onions or green bell pepper for extra flavor and crunch. For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the mix.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using ground turkey instead of beef and a low-sodium Sloppy Joe mix.

Serving suggestions

I like to pair these with a simple salad, Southern green beans, creamed spinach, or other veggie side dish to balance the meal.

Storage

Store leftovers them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

You can also freeze them for a quick grab-and-go meal. Freeze on a plate or tray, then transfer to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container (affiliate link) for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until they’re nice and crispy again or microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!