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Better Than a Can: Homemade Sloppy Joes

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Sloppy joes are a classic American dish that is perfect for a casual weeknight meal. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. This recipe for homemade sloppy joes is a step up from the canned variety. It is made with fresh ingredients and has a richer, more flavorful sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1/2 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 12 hamburger buns, split

  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess fat.

  2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

  4. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on the hamburger buns and top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Tips and Tricks:

  • For a spicier sloppy joe, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

  • To make the sloppy joes ahead of time, assemble the sandwiches without the cheese. Cover the sandwiches tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to serve, heat the sandwiches in a pan or in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  • Sloppy joes are also great served on hoagie rolls or slider buns.

Story:

I grew up eating sloppy joes. My mom used to make them for us on a regular basis. I loved the combination of the savory ground beef, the sweet and tangy sauce, and the melted cheese. As I got older, I started experimenting with different variations of the recipe. I added different spices, different vegetables, and different cheeses. I even tried making a vegetarian version with lentils.

No matter how I make them, sloppy joes are always a hit with my family and friends. They are a fun and easy dish to make, and they are always a crowd-pleaser.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for homemade sloppy joes. They are sure to become a new favorite in your household.

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