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Sloppy Joe Sandwich

Sloppy Joe sandwich with coleslaw. Photo Credit – Wikimedia Commons

During a recent trip to the grocer we got talking about Sloppy Joe sandwiches. Early in our marriage we would buy a can of Sloppy Joe sauce and mix it with MorningStar Farms Recipe Crumbles to make a sandwich filling. It was the basis for many a quick, tasty meal. We discussed adding it back into our meal rotation for “something different.” We read the ingredients on the name brand and store brand cans of sauce and decided to make our own.

What distinguishes a Sloppy Joe from a Maid-Rite (a.k.a. loose meat sandwich) is the tomato sauce. Following is the recipe I put together from an online recipe modified to match our preferences and what we have on hand in our pantry.

Sloppy Joe Sandwich

Ingredients:

  • One small onion – diced
  • One medium bell pepper – diced
  • Two cloves fresh garlic – finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Half teaspoon chili powder
  • Teaspoon paprika
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • One 15 ounce can of prepared tomato sauce
  • One 12 ounce package of MorningStar Farms Recipe Crumbles
  • Sandwich rolls.

Mix the dried spices, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, water, mustard, and brown sugar in a small dish and set aside.

Sauté the onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft over medium high heat in a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.

Add the spice mixture and stir to incorporate. Add the Recipe Crumbles and incorporate. Finally add the can of tomato sauce and stir until incorporated.

Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens and extra water evaporates.

Serve on a toasted bun with any desired condiments and toppings.