Classic Sloppy Joe's

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Classic Sloppy Joe's

A simple combination of ground meat, tomato sauce or ketchup, and some seasonings, this sandwich is a classic that may just remind you of childhood (and for good reason - it seems like almost all kids love it). The Sloppy Joe’s sandwich is also perfect for back-to-school season because it is just so quick and easy to prepare after a long day at work or school, and is also so warm and cozy for the cooler weather.

Now, you could buy a jar of premade sauce, but why spend the extra cash when it's so easy to make this from items you already have in your pantry or fridge? It’s a forgiving recipe, too. I prefer a mix of ketchup and plain tomato sauce, but you can easily use all of one or the other, depending on what you have on-hand.

Recipe
4-6 Servings

Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 ¼ pound lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ¼ cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon celery seed
  • Pinch ground cloves
  • Salt and pepper
  • Rolls or Hamburger buns

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the ground turkey with the onions, diced bell pepper, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper, until turkey is browned and cooked through. 
  2. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, sugar, vinegar, mustard, cinnamon, celery seed, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer, and allow to cook for 25-30 minutes, or until liquid is reduced to desired thickness. 
  3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve on your favorite hamburger buns.


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Comments

  1. Linda MarieSeptember 5, 2016 at 8:47 PM

    Thank you for sharing your recipe for sloppy joes.
    My children always enjoyed these and now I would like
    to prepare them for my grandchildren. What do you like to
    serve as a side dish?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Melissa @ The Hard Times KitchenSeptember 6, 2016 at 1:15 PM

    I like to serve mine with homemade oven fries and some green beans. Hope you enjoy!

    ReplyDelete

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