Guest Author - Catherine Bridges
This was a mainstay meal in my childhood home and carried over as a quick, but hearty, filling meal in my own adult kitchen. We love to vary the ingredients and the breads to create exciting new twists for this popular meal.
Classic Sloppy Joe
1 can MANWICH Sloppy Joes Mix
5 to 6 hamburger buns
2 lbs. Ground beef, browned and drained
Pour seasoning mix over the meat and mix thoroughly with a stirring spoon. Bring mixture to a boil in a skillet. Lower heat and let simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon over hamburger buns.
Makes 5-6 servings.
We always have these items set out in separate bowls to accent our classic sloppy joes: shredded cheddar and pepperjack cheeses; chopped red onions; slices of jalapeno; and fresh sour cream. Any combination of these make great accent toppings to a great sloppy joe sandwich.
Changing from the regular hamburger bun to a ciabatta roll; a mini-french roll or even to thick, Texas toast makes each meal unique. Base your sloppy joe mix serving on the thickness of the bread you serve. The thicker the bread base, the more sloppy joe you will need! Toppings can also be piled higher to make sure you get the full flavor effect.
Now, when you are really feeling adventurous, try changing the whole flavor profile of the classic sloppy joe. Rather than a ground beef base try substituting chopped sweet or spicy italian sausages or even your favorite breakfast sausage. For those health-conscious days used ground turkey, chicken, lamb, pork or veal. Remember, too that these meats may require an additional spicing with chili powder, chopped bell pepper and some added garlic as these meats don't traditionally carry flavors as easily as ground beef.
Our family has even tried chopped ostrich meat in our sloppy joes. Wow!! A sweet, lean meat that is easily seasoned and delicious with the manwich mix. Don't go too heavy on the toppings with this meat as it is rather delicate and you don't want it's special flavor to get "lost".
As with many sandwiches, taking your meat/sauce mixture and using it over spaghetti, rigatoni, or macaroni gives you yet another meal option. This is especially handy for any leftovers and/or lunches the next day. Sloppy joes are delicious and filling and fun to construct with your family -- no matter what age. Try your own twist on this classic sandwich and let me know your ideas! Enjoy!
