Sloppy Joe’s has been a staple dinner for as long as I can remember. It is also a true Midwest classic for large groups and parties. As far as location of origin, it is believed to have been developed in Iowa around a century ago. It is a derivative of the Maidrite sandwich, using tomato sauce and spices mixed with the loose meat. Sauces and seasoning packets to make these delicious sandwiches became widely available from supermarkets during the 1960s. Get a Napkin Ready, Things are Getting Messy: The History of the Sloppy Joe — Feed Tavern & Table Co.
Growing up, we often relied on sloppy joe mix or canned sauce. It was good, probably one of my favorite dinners. However, it is just as easy to make with staple ingredients. This recipe is better than any sloppy Joe’s I’ve ever eaten. This is because this recipe uses real seasonings and ingredients rather than a packet or can full of preservatives and food additives.
We serve this hearty filling on our homemade Burger Buns or My Favorite Burger Buns. Both of these recipes for burger buns are delicious and irresistibly soft. When it comes to side dishes, the possibilities are endless! Some of my top choices include Creamy Coleslaw, mac and cheese, or even a small pile of crispy french fries.
Sloppy Joe’s Preparation, Servings, and Storage
Sloppy Joe’s are an easy weeknight meal to prepare for the whole family after work. This is because it can be prepared in about 30 minutes. It yields six generous servings, perfect for a large family or to have extra for meal prep lunches the next day.
The prepared sandwich is delicious freshly made or reheated in the microwave. Leftover sloppy joe meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It can even be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Sloppy Joe's
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1/2 cup Yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup Water
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp White vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium.
- Add the ground beef and onion. Cook the beef and onions until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain grease on a paper towel lined plate.
- Return the beef and onions to the skillet.
- Add the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
- Serve on fresh homemade burger buns. (My Favorite Burger Buns)
- Leftover meat can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat as needed in the microwave.
Nutrition
