Returning to childhood with sloppy joes
Blog: Nosh On
March 3, 2010
When there's nothing else on TV, my husband, Brian, and I often find ourselves watching the Food Network. Believe it or not, I'm often inspired by what's cooking or being eaten, especially if it's old-school comfort food.
Last week, we watched a rerun of "Throwdown with Bobby Flay." I root for the little guy every time. I think these celebrity chefs need big servings of humble pie. Anyway, Flay challenged these brothers who specialize in sloppy Joes.
It had been eons since I'd had a sloppy Joe. While lots of families probably had sloppy Joes frequently, we didn't. My dad doesn't like most sauces, so it just didn't make sense to eat sloppy Joes, despite their relative convenience. Plus, eating ground beef from a can always makes me question my food choices.
The entire time Brian and I watched the "Throwdown" of sloppy Joes, I kept thinking about how good one sounded. Mentally rifling through the contents of our fridge and pantry, I realized I had almost everything necessary to make my own. The only thing we were missing was the buns. I was OK with going to the store to buy buns (although I considered making my own from scratch).
I figured making my own sloppy Joes would be a quick endeavor. It wasn't so quick, sloppy Joe filling has to simmer. However, after lots and lots of tasting and adjusting flavors, I had it right on. All you need is a well-stocked pantry to make your own.
Eating the sloppy Joes was messy, as expected, but was certainly reminiscent of childhood. Add a side of cole slaw and you have a good, goopy meal.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
1 onion, quartered
2 peeled carrots, coarsely chopped
2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup barbecue sauce (I used my homemade version which isn't very sweet)
1/4 ketchup
1 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 to 5 tablespoons brown sugar
Place onion, carrots, celery and garlic in a food processor and pulse until vegetables are chopped finely. Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat and add vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 7 minutes, until vegetables have softened and onions are transparent. Reduce heat to medium and add ground beef. Cook until browned, using a masher to break up any large meat clumps. Once meat is browned add tomatoes, paste, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon vinegar, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt. Simmer until sauce has reduced and thickened into a thick meat sauce. Add brown sugar one tablespoon at a time, tasting after each addition and adding more sugar to taste. Add second tablespoon of vinegar to brighten flavors. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. Season with more salt if necessary. Serve warm on toasted hamburger buns and provide plenty of napkins.
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holmes 1 year, 11 months ago
Returning to childhood with sloppy joes
You watch the Food Network and you see possibilities. I watch the Food Network and I see unattainabilities. Such is the lament of the culinarily challenged. This is why my default "there's nothing on TV" channel is usually Comedy Central or the History Channel. The Food Network is just torment. Your sloppy Joe recipe seems totally doable though; it falls within the boundaries of my cooking skills. And I'm always looking for more ways to use my Worcestershire sauce! :)
feil 1 year, 11 months ago
Returning to childhood with sloppy joes
Hehe, the History Channel and Comedy Central are usually great "there's nothing on TV" channels. By the way, this makes a pretty big batch of sloppy Joes. I froze at least half of mine to eat at a later date. Just warning you.
Mom 1 year, 11 months ago
Returning to childhood with sloppy joes
Hey, I thought you were bringing some over for me tonight?! Also, Abby, I love Worcestershire Sauce as well. In fact, the other night we went to The Windmill and I almost asked for it, but Rochelle jumped in really fast and said that, no, we didn't need any sauces.
douglas 1 year, 11 months ago
Returning to childhood with sloppy joes
I agree with Mom. Worestershire Sauce is the all purpose condiment when dealing with beef or beef based soups.
cascadetaxes 1 year, 11 months ago
Returning to childhood with sloppy joes
I have a good recipe for sloppy Joes. It's not as complicated as the one in this story and I've had rave reviews from everyone who has eaten them. I think the recipe in this story might be even better because of the onions and veggies. I may try it. Anyway, I brown hamburger in a large pot until it is well browned, then season with salt, pepper, a little dry mustard, and add condensed tomato soup until it is the correct consistency. Then I let it simmer for awhile to absorb the juices. When I have served this, I usually bought the big, big, packages of hamburger buns because the guys will eat two or three of these.
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