Why You’ll Love these Classic Sloppy Joes
While many folks might think of Sloppy Joes as those messy ground beef sandwiches from childhood, this recipe takes a sophisticated deli-inspired turn that’ll knock your socks off.
I’m talking about layers of corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, and tangy Russian dressing all nestled in hollowed-out rye bread.
What’s not to love? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors—the crunch of coleslaw against tender deli meats, the creaminess of Swiss melding with zesty dressing.
Fair warning: you’ll need napkins, possibly a bib, and definitely a big appetite. Worth every delicious, drippy bite.
What Ingredients are in Classic Sloppy Joes?
This isn’t your cafeteria Sloppy Joe—it’s a deli-inspired masterpiece that combines the best of New York sandwich traditions into one gloriously messy creation.
The beauty of this sandwich lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the tangy Russian dressing to the crisp coleslaw to the savory deli meats. Everything comes together inside a hollowed-out rye bread vessel that somehow manages to contain all that deliciousness (well, mostly contain it).
- 1 loaf of rye bread
- 6 ounces Russian salad dressing
- 1 pound coleslaw
- 2 ounces sliced corned beef
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 ounces sliced pastrami
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really matters. Look for freshly baked rye bread with a good crust—it’ll hold up better to the fillings.
For the deli meats, thin-sliced is traditional, but you might prefer a slightly thicker cut for more texture. And while pre-made coleslaw works perfectly fine (who has time to shred cabbage?), a fresh batch from the deli counter will give you that extra crunch factor.
Oh, and grab extra napkins while you’re at the store. Trust me, you’re going to need them.
How to Make these Classic Sloppy Joes
Making this indulgent Sloppy Joe is more art than science, but thankfully, it’s pretty forgiving art.
Start by grabbing your 1 loaf of rye bread and performing what I like to call “bread surgery.” Cut along the side to create a sub-like opening, then gently hollow out the soft interior. Think of it as creating a cozy little bread boat for all those glorious fillings.
Don’t throw away those bread innards, by the way—they make excellent breadcrumbs for another day.
Now comes the layering magic. Spread about 3 ounces of your Russian dressing inside the hollowed bread, creating a tangy foundation.
Next, add half of your 1 pound of coleslaw, followed by 2 ounces of thinly sliced corned beef. Layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese on top of that (out of your total 4 slices), allowing it to drape over the meat.
Add your 2 ounces of pastrami next, then drizzle more Russian dressing, and place your remaining 2 slices of Swiss cheese.
Finally, pile on the rest of your coleslaw and close up your sandwich. Remember those bread walls you left intact? They’re doing the heavy lifting now, trying to contain this beautiful mess.
For a delicious lasagna variation instead, consider using our premium cookware set designed specifically for layered Italian classics.
Secure your creation with 3 toothpicks and slice into thirds.
And might I suggest eating this over a plate? Those juices running down your arm are part of the experience, but there’s no need to redecorate your kitchen floor.
Classic Sloppy Joes Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the assembly of our towering sandwich creation, let’s talk about making this recipe your own.
Swap rye bread for pumpernickel or marble rye for a twist on the classic flavor profile. Not a fan of Russian dressing? Thousand Island works beautifully in a pinch.
You can easily customize the meat – turkey pastrami offers a lighter option, while doubling the corned beef creates a more substantial bite.
Don’t have Swiss? Provolone or Havarti melt just as dreamily.
For a spicier version, mix horseradish into your dressing.
Vegetarians might enjoy substituting tempeh or seitan.
The possibilities? Nearly endless.
What to Serve with Classic Sloppy Joes
While your towering Sloppy Joe sandwich certainly stands as a meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
I’m a firm believer in balance—something crisp and fresh to contrast that hearty, messy sandwich.
Consider a tangy dill pickle spear, which cuts through the richness perfectly.
Crispy potato chips or french fries? Yes, please.
For something lighter, a simple green salad with vinaigrette works wonders.
Want to get fancy? Creamy mac and cheese creates the ultimate comfort food duo.
Who needs fancy dining when you’ve got this magnificent mess on your plate?
Final Thoughts
After preparing this magnificent sandwich creation, I’m convinced that the Sloppy Joe deserves its rightful place in sandwich royalty.
The combination of tender corned beef, savory pastrami, tangy Russian dressing, and crisp coleslaw creates a symphony of flavors between two slices of rye bread.
Yes, it’s messy—hence the name—but isn’t that part of the charm?
The best foods often require a stack of napkins and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
