UNSLOPPY JOES

So, when I make Sloppy Joes, I kind of cop out. I do the knife and fork version. But my good sport wife, Loretta, likes it the old fashioned way.

This recipe is very traditional, something resurrected from my childhood. But the fun thing about Sloppy Joes is that it’s open to interpretation. I know a lot of people who sneak in some BBQ sauce, chipotle sauce, more heat…you name it.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

• 1 cup white onions, diced

• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire

• 3 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp dry mustard

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 4 small hamburger buns

• 8 slices of American cheese

• 1 cup French’s fried onions

Directions:

• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tbsp canola oil then crumble in the ground beef, the onions, and the bell peppers. Cook, stirring, until the ground beef is done and the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Drain the excess oil and return to the skillet.

• Add the ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, garlic powder, onions powder, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix together thoroughly, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Taste and reseason if necessary.

• To serve, lightly butter and toast the buns on a flat griddle. Place the two halves on a plate, add a slice of cheese, spoon on some ground beef, add another slice of cheese. Place under the oven broiler until the cheese is completely melted. Top with fried onions.