Sloppy Joes were a staple when I was growing up. They were served in the school cafeteria and my mother made them at home and my siblings and I loved them. Mom used the McCormick seasoning mix and so did I after leaving home. But I probably hadn't eaten one in 20 years when my friend Susan Russo sent me her new book, The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches (compare prices), and it had this recipe for Sloppy Joes. It won't be another 20 years before I make this comforting sandwich. (Larger image.) Makes 3 - 4 sandwiches.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 2 - 3 sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 3/4 lb. ground beef
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp. red wine vinegar
Preparation:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, celery and bell pepper and sauté for 2 - 3 minutes.
2. Increase heat to high, add ground beef (breaking it up with a spatula) and brown, stirring occasionally - about 10 minutes. Pour off excess fat.
3. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 - 20 minutes.
4. Spoon onto hamburger buns or kaiser rolls.