My Best Sloppy Joes

Growing up in Germany, we didn’t eat sloppy joes. I remember the first time I had these yummy, but difficult to eat sandwiches. It was the first time my husband (then boyfriend) took me to meet his extended family. It was his aunt’s birthday and the whole family got together for a garden and pool party. Sloppy Joes and chips were served and there I was trying to make a good first impression with a sloppy joe sandwich on a floppy paper plate. Thankfully I didn’t end up with the sandwich on my shirt and they have since become a favorite of mine. I do however prefer to eat them in the privacy of my home 🙂

Sloppy Joes

• 2 pounds regular ground beef; drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

First fry up your hamburger and onion in a large skillet. Break it up into small pieces with a fork as you fry it. Cook it until all of the pink is gone, and only gray meat remains. Drain off all the fat. Place the meat and onion in a strainer and rinse in hot tap water. Drain well.

Skillet Method: Rinse the skillet. Transfer the meat and onion back into the skillet. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper and chili powder. Simmer for about 20 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick then add a little water to thin it down. Probably 1/4-cup will be enough. Spoon onto buns and serve.

Crock Pot Method: Transfer your cooked, rinsed and drained meat to a Crock Pot or Slow Cooker. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper and chili powder. Cover the pot and cook on High for 3 hours or on Low for 5 or 6 hours. Spoon the mixture onto buns, or Fred’s Favorite Rolls, and enjoy. Great Summer Time meal, because it doesn’t heat up the kitchen.

Makes 12 servings.