United States | Meats | Sandwiches | Beef

Sloppy Joes

(American seasoned ground beef sandwiches)

Yield: 4-6 each


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Oil 2 Tbsp
Onion minced 1 each
Garlic minced 2-3 cloves
Chili powder 1 Tbsp
Ground beef 1 1/2 lbs
 
Ketchup 1 1/2 cups
Water 1/2 cup
Mustard 1 Tbsp
Vinegar 1-2 Tbsp
Sugar   1 Tbsp
Salt & pepper   to taste
     
Hamburger buns   6 each

METHOD

Basic Steps:  Sauté → Simmer
  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until onion is cooked through and translucent. Add garlic and chili powder and sauté 1-2 more minutes.
  2. Add ground beef and sauté, stirring well and breaking up, till meat is cooked through. Drain off excess fat.
  3. Add remaining ingredients, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10-15 minutes. Serve on buns.

VARIATIONS

  • Saute a minced green pepper with the onion if you like.
  • Add 1-2 tsp Worcestershire sauce for seasoning.
  • Ground chicken or turkey can take the place of the beef for a lower fat version.
  • Iowa Maid-Rite Sandwich: Eliminate ketchup, water, vinegar and sugar and substitute one 12 oz bottle of beer or 3/4 cup chicken broth. Simmer until most liquid has evaporated, 15-20 minutes. Place in buns and top with mustard, pickles and chopped onions.

NOTES

  • The sloppy joe has a foggy history, but it seems to have arisen during the Depression as a way to stretch ground beef during hard times. Several sources place its creation in a small cafe in Sioux City, Iowa, where it was called a "loosemeat" sandwich. No one knows if there was an original Joe, but they sure are sloppy!
  • Maid-Rites are a variation found in Iowa and other parts of the Midwest which do not contain ketchup.