CLASSIC GRANDMAS SLOPPY JOES

Sloppy Joes are a quintessential American comfort food that have graced dinner tables across the country for generations. Characterized by their messy, delicious nature, these sandwiches are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. With their origins dating back to the 1930s, Sloppy Joes have evolved over time but have remained a beloved staple of American cuisine.

History and Origin of Sloppy Joes:

The history of Sloppy Joes is as rich as their taste. The sandwich is said to have been inspired by a similar dish called “loose meat sandwiches,” which gained popularity in the 1930s. The term “Sloppy Joe” was first used in the 1960s, and it is believed that the name might have been derived from a bar in Havana, Cuba, where a similar dish was served. Regardless of its exact origins, the Sloppy Joe has become a household name in the United States, often associated with school lunch menus and family dinners.

ALSO READ: American Goulash: A Comforting Classic

CLASSIC GRANDMAS SLOPPY JOES

Recipe by RecipeWikkiCourse: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

429

kcal

Quick and easy to make, and delicious too! These were a family tradition, when we were growing up. My maternal grandmother made them for almost every family gathering. She had to satisfy the picky and varied taste of many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as her own young children. So, to satisfy everyone’s taste, her sloppy joe recipe contains no green bell pepper, no onion and no celery. It was, and still is, a hit with all the kids.

Ingredients

• 2lbs hamburger

• 1onion, diced

• 2(8 ounce) cans tomato sauce

• 2 -3tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vinegar

• ¹⁄₂ cup catsup

• 2teaspoons chili powder, salt and pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon mustard (optional)

Directions

• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and meat to the pan. Spread the meat around the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon.
• Cook until meat is still just slightly pink (not browned), about 3 minutes. Add the tomato soup (undiluted), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard; stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, until sauce is thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings. Spoon meat mixture onto hamburger buns, buttered and toasted or plain, and serve.

Notes

• Be careful not to cook the ground meat beyond pink; if you let it brown it will end up dry and crumbly. The meat will finish cooking once the liquid ingredients are added.