Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes, the quintessential comfort food, have become a beloved part of American cuisine. This iconic dish, featuring seasoned ground meat in a tomato-based sauce, holds a special place in the hearts and palates of many. Let's take a journey through the history and origins of Sloppy Joes, exploring how this messy and delightful sandwich earned its place on dinner tables across the nation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Create the Sauce:
- Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the Sloppy Joe mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder according to your preference.
- Serve:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger buns, and serve immediately.