When the kids (Caroline) asked me what was for dinner and I said Sloppy Joes, I thought she was going to get sick right there on the spot. Her hand flew over her mouth and she gaged. And she is my kid who usually likes everything! I was determined, however, to try this recipe because it seemed very easy and it didn't have any extra "stuff" that I don't like in Sloppy Joes. I told her she could make her a cheese crisp if she couldn't stand these.
The good news? They ALL liked them. O.K., Margaret not so much, but even she tasted the meat and didn't gag.
Lauren and Jake were here, too, and they liked them.
I even found out why Sloppy Joes seem so repulsive to my kids - they don't like the buns when they get soggy. Toasting the buns helps remedy the problem.
If you are in the mood for one of these, try this recipe. I will be making them again. I am so dense sometimes I didn't even realize you could even make Sloppy Joes without a can of Manwich. :)
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 hamburger buns
butter, for buttering the buns (optional)
1. Melt the 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet and cook chopped onion until soft. Add the meat and cook until hamburger is cooked through. Drain fat if any.
2. Add all other ingredients to cooked meat mixture. (I put mine in a bowl and whisked together first but it really isn't necessary)
3. Simmer meat sauce for about 20 minutes. Add more water as needed for desired consistency.
Butter buns and broil until lightly toasted.
