How to Make Sloppy Joes

There are many variations to the classic United States Sloppy Joe sandwich. Probably gaining it's name from the sloppy eating factor of the sandwich, which makes for memorable family stories, it does feed and fill a crowd of folks, and does not break the family budget. Use a nice fluffy bun such as a hamburger or hot dog bun. Some folks like to melt a bit of Provolone cheese or Mozarella cheese over the top of the sandwiches in the oven on a low heat like 250 degrees F for a few minutes. Sprinkle with some fresh red pepper, or some slices of butter pickles or minced tomato and onion. Use your imagination!

Sloppy Joe Meat Stew for Sandwiches or Over Rice or Pasta

Serves 8

Ingredients

Two pounds 80 to 90 percent lean ground beef, turkey, or pork

(I like to use ground round, groud sirloin, or ground chuck)

Two tablespoons canola oil

One cup tomato puree

1/2 cup tomato catsup

1/2 cup water or low sodium beef broth

Two tablespoons honey

One teaspoon ground cardamom

One teaspoon chili powder

Two large white onions minced

Two large sweet red peppers minced

Two teaspoons dried Greek oregano

Two teaspoons dried basil

One teaspoon Louisiana style red hot sauce

16 ounces (thin slices) Provolone or Mozarella cheese

Sweet bread and butter style pickle slices

Pickled sport peppers small diced

Fresh Roma tomatoes diced

Additional sweet pepper diced

Red onion diced

Eight to ten fluffy hamburger or hot dog buns

Alternately, some fluffly rice or macaroni

Method

1) Add one tablespoon of the oil to coat the pan. In a large dutch oven or frying pan lightly brown the meat for three minutes. Do not worry if the meat is not cooked fully through. Before browning sprinkle with the chili powder and cardamom.

2) Next add the minced garlic, white onions, and red peppers. Sprinkle with the dried oregano and basil and mix well. Add the second tablespoon of oil and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add the honey off heat and mix. Next add the broth, tomato puree and catsup mixing and. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Add the hot sauce.

3) Simmer semi covered until everything is heated through.

4) If using cheese preheat your oven to 250 F. Lightly oil or butter the inside of your rolls. Add the filling and then two slices of the cheese on top. Lay them on a lined cookie sheet. Bake for about five minutes until cheese is melted.

Serve your sandwiches on a fancy platter and the condiments family style: diced red onion, sweet pickles, minced pickled peppers, minced red pepper, diced tomato.