One of my all-time favorite camp foods is this easy Venison Sloppy Joe… I mean this Venison Sloppy Annie. It has the perfect mix of nostalgia of my childhood and the tastiness of game meat, which makes it so hard to resist! And best yet? You can make these delicious sandwiches quickly when you’re in a hurry – just what every hangry hiker needs during their outdoor adventure.

So why do I call it a “Sloppy Annie?” Perhaps it is because I have dated one too many Joes in my life. But also, there is a huge debate over who invented the Sloppy Joe and what is the real name of the sandwich. According to the Internet, about 7 bars in Iowa and the entire nation of Cuba are taking credit. I’d like no doubt about who can claim this recipe, thus the name: Sloppy Annie.

The typical “sloppy joe” is made with beef, but really any ground meat will work. I used venison for this recipe. I find venison not only healthier but also using game makes this one of the tastiest sandwiches you have ever had. If you do not have venison on hand, try elk, turkey, or bison. They are all excellent options! Just note the fat content of meat and adjust accordingly.

Also, while I use my own habanero bbq sauce in the recipe description below, substitute any bbq sauce of your choosing. I like sauces with a little “kick” for this recipe, but feel free to use one with a heat level of your choosing.

Tips for Homemade Barbeque Sauce for an Easy Venison Sloppy Joe (or Sloppy Annie)

While I won’t share my top-secret recipe for my habanero bbq sauce, I will share some tips to get you started.

Start with a savory base. I start all my barbeque sauce with sweating onion, peppers, and garlic in oil and butter. Then I add in some tomatoes or a bit of tomato paste. This process creates a savory base by adding different sources of spice, acidity, and sugar.
Balance sweetness and acidity. Many off-the-shelf sauces from the store are heavy with sugar. To ensure your sauce is more pleasing to the palate, balance any sugar with acid from the vinegar and/ or citrus.
Add a little (or a lot) of spice. For me, bbq sauce is better with a snap. I like to use fresh habaneros from my backyard garden, but you can also add flavor with dried spices. Experiment to find what taste works best for your palate!

While this meal cooks up quickly at camp, it also makes a great backcountry meal for all of your backpacking trips. Seriously, the most difficult part will be not smushing the buns in your pack. And if you are too worried about it, tortillas, pita, or naan travel well.

Instructions to Make a Venison Sloppy Joe (or Sloppy Annie) in the Backcountry

Start preparing the venison sloppy joe mixture at home, following the instructions in the recipe below.
Let the mixture cool, and then transfer it to a vacuum-sealed or freezer bag.
Freeze, label, and use within 3 months.
On your way to your backcountry camp, let the meat thaw or use an insulated bag to keep it frozen for up to 2 days.
When thawed, heat the meat on a backcountry stove and serve on buns or the bread product of your choosing!

FAQ for Venison Sloppy Joes (or Sloppy Annie)

Can you use different types of meat or bread with this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe will work with bison, beef, elk, or any ground meat. You can also substitute tortillas, rice, or naan instead of buns. This also would work great as a topping for a baked potato!
Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, substitute Impossible Burger or another meat substitute of your choosing. To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free hamburger bun or tortilla.
What should I serve with Venison Sloppy Joes?
I like to eat this sandwich with salty potato chips and a few pickled red onions to add a tart note.
Are Venison Sloppy Joes good for backpacking trips?
This is one of my favorite recipes for this backcountry. Follow the instructions above for a delicious meal made on just a backpacking stove.

Did you love this recipe? Do you have ideas on how to improve this dish? Leave a comment below, or share your favorite sloppy joe (or sloppy annie) memories!

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