Sloppy Joes 
(American Midwest seasoned ground beef sandwiches)

Written by on in Recipe
Two sloppy Joe sandwiches
Image © iStockphoto

The sloppy joe has a foggy history, but it seems to have originated 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!

Sloppy Joes
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Sloppy Joes

Course: Sandwiches, MeatsCuisine: United States, Midwest
Makes

6

sandwiches

The sloppy joe has a foggy history, but it seems to have originated 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.

Ingredients

  • Oil — 2 tablespoons

  • Onion, minced — 1

  • Garlic, minced — 2 or 3 cloves

  • Chili powder — 1 tablespoon

  • Ground beef — 1 1/2 pounds

  • Ketchup — 1 1/2 cups

  • Water — 1/2 cup

  • Mustard — 1 tablespoon

  • Vinegar — 1 or 2 tablespoons

  • Sugar — 1 tablespoon

  • Salt and pepper — to taste

  • Hamburger buns — 6

Directions

  • Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high flame. Add the onion and sauté until onion is cooked through and translucent. Add garlic and chili powder and saute 1 or 2 more minutes.
  • Add ground beef and saute, breaking it up as you stir, until the meat is cooked through. Drain off excess fat.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns.

Sloppy Joe Notes and Variations

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

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