susan's sloppy joes

Oak Ridge, TN
Updated on Apr 14, 2012

I've used this recipe for over 35 years. I still remember the first time I made it - in my tiny little first-apartment kitchen, with the smaller apartment-sized stove (only 3 burners!), in my new iron skillet - a wedding gift. I was determined to duplicate the ingredients in store-bought Sloppy Joe mix, Manwich. This is almost as easy as Manwich, especially if you keep chopped green peppers in the freezer or get them dried and reconstitute them. You are also master of your own seasonings, and can adjust them to suit your family's tastes.

prep time 10 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Stove Top
yield 4-5 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 large bell pepper, small dice
  • 1 pound ground beef chuck
  • 2 tablespoons dehydrated onion flakes, reconstituted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 14 ounces can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard (plain mustard works fine)
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice, ground (or mix of cinnamon/cloves)
  • 2 pinches salt, and
  • - lots of fresh ground black pepper

How To Make susan's sloppy joes

  • Step 1
    Reconstitute the onion flakes: Put onion flakes in a small bowl and pour 1/4 cup boiling water over. Let set 10 minutes.
  • Step 2
    Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat, and cook bell pepper until soft. Add in ground beef and brown well, breaking it up into a fine consistency. Pour off any extra fat. Stir in onions with liquid, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer stirring for 3-4 minutes.
  • Step 3
    Stir in tomato sauce, mustard, allspice, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Continue to simmer until liquid reduces somewhat, about 15 minutes. I cover the skillet with a spatter screen so the liquid can evaporate but the stove does not get covered with tomato sauce.
  • Step 4
    When thickened to your liking, serve on buns with french fries or baked beans, and a salad.

Discover More

Category: Beef
Ingredient: Beef
Culture: Southern
Method: Stove Top

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