I grew up eating sloppy joes, a sandwich made by browning ground beef in a skillet and dumping a can of tomato-based ‘Manwich’ sauce over top, then plopping it onto soft hamburger buns. Nowadays those very same cans are laden with high fructose corn syrup, just like the buns, something I work hard to avoid.
So what to do when a nostalgic craving for an old-fashioned sandwich takes hold of you? Enter the homemade sloppy joe.
Sloppy joes are one of the messiest sandwiches on earth to eat, which in my mind makes them all the more satisfying. They have a slightly sweet and tangy sauce, akin to barbecue sauce. Here I season them with chile powder and smoky paprika for a modern version of this old school favorite. I served them on toasted homemade sandwich rolls for a hearty and delicious meal that everyone loved, circa 1988.
Homemade sloppy joes made easy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-low heat and cook onion and pepper over until tender. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan brown the beef over medium heat breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked drain off the grease.
- Add sauteed vegetables back to the pan along with ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, spices, salt, pepper and water. Bring to a simmer and cook about 20 minutes or until water is absorbed, stirring often.
- Serve on toasted rolls.
Notes
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This is nearly identical to my family’s “Scrunchies.” It’s a recipe I have passed on many, many times. We do not do peppers , water or vinegar. They never seem to taste the same twice but always great and never any leftovers. I grew up with this recipe and never had Sloppy Joes or Manwhich until I was nearly 30.
Looks really good! I haven't made Sloppy Joes in AGES…never for my husband, actually. I may have to try this recipe out.
I have never had a sloppy joe…maybe i will make them for my grandkids and join in…looks good!
Reeni- I just made this tonight. I added a little more spice and a dash of worcestershire to mine. It was totally delicious. Thanks for the great recipe.
I made these– they were very good. Thanks for the recipe. I thought I would have leftovers but everyone ate seconds.