Quick and easy to make, and delicious too! These were a family tradition, when we were growing up. My maternal grandmother made them for almost every family gathering. She had to satisfy the picky and varied taste of many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as her own young children. So, to satisfy everyone's taste, her sloppy joe recipe contains no green bell pepper, no onion and no celery. It was, and still is, a hit with all the kids.

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Recipe Summary

cook:
15 mins
prep:
5 mins
total:
20 mins
Servings:
8
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Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and meat to the pan. Spread the meat around the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until meat is still just slightly pink (not browned), about 3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce (undiluted), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard; stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, until sauce is thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings. Spoon meat mixture onto hamburger buns, buttered and toasted or plain, and serve.

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  • Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Tips

Be careful not to cook the ground meat beyond pink; if you let it brown it will end up dry and crumbly. The meat will finish cooking once the liquid ingredients are added.

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