Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes were part of Mom's regular rotation of weeknight meals. This recipe is an old one. In later years, Mom starting going the easier route and made Sloppy Joes from a can mix. But this recipe is very easy.

Sloppy Joes are an American original. There are many variations and many names for this sandwich, and MDS tells me that his mom had a variation with Mexican spices that she called Sloppy Joses. The essential ingredients are ground beef, tomato sauce, onions, and spices. Mom's recipe also includes sliced hot dogs. I have not seen other recipes calling for sliced hot dogs, but the hot dogs were a hit. I suspect that Mom had to finely chop the onion and the green pepper to hide it from us kids to make it more likely that we would eat it. Nowadays, I really like the onions and green pepper, so I added extra here.

This Sloppy Joe recipe uses very basic white bread buns. They are the kind that can absorb a lot and remain together. But any other type of bun could be used.

Sloppy Joes 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 1/2 pound beef franks, sliced
• 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. chili powder

In a skillet, brown the beef. Add in the onion and green pepper and cook until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer until heated through. Serve on buns. Enjoy!