Homemade Sloppy Joes

Yield: 8 sandwiches | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

While sloppy joes have been around for many decades, they really started to surge in popularity after the Manwich brand released a sloppy joe sauce in 1969. This economic dish continued to make its way into the mainstream, eventually becoming the signature lunchroom dish we know and love.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef

½ cup finely chopped onion

½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1 teaspoon finely minced garlic (optional)

1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

2 tablespoons bottled chili sauce

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

½ teaspoon kosher salt

8 hamburger buns

Sliced sweet pickles (optional)

Potato chips, for serving

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large skillet, crumble the beef and brown it over medium-high heat, breaking up any clumps, for about 3 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic (if using) and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes and their juices, the chili sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and salt. Add the tomato mixture to the skillet and bring the mixture to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pan. Simmer, stirring once or twice, until the mixture begins to thicken, about 20 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
  4. Toast the hamburger buns under the broiler until the cut sides are golden. Spoon the meat mixture onto the buns and garnish with pickle slices and potato chips to serve.