Sloppy Joe's

Sloppy Joe's Bar, Key West, FL, US (03)

Sloppy Joe's is a type of sandwich consisting of ground beef, onions, tomato sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings, served on a hamburger bun. The dish originated in the United States during the early 20th century and has since become a popular comfort food.

History

The exact origin of the Sloppy Joe is unclear, but it is widely believed to have been created in the 1930s. One popular theory suggests that the sandwich was first made by a cook named Joe at a café in Sioux City, Iowa. Another theory attributes its creation to a bar in Key West, Florida called Sloppy Joe's Bar, which was frequented by the writer Ernest Hemingway.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients of a Sloppy Joe include:

• Ground beef
• Onions
• Tomato sauce or ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Mustard
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Hamburger buns

Preparation

To prepare a Sloppy Joe, ground beef is browned in a skillet along with chopped onions. Once the beef is cooked through, the excess fat is drained, and the remaining ingredients are added to the skillet. The mixture is then simmered until it thickens. The filling is spooned onto hamburger buns and served hot.

Variations

There are several variations of the Sloppy Joe, including:

• **Turkey Sloppy Joe**: Made with ground turkey instead of beef.
• **Vegetarian Sloppy Joe**: Uses plant-based proteins such as lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) in place of meat.
• **Barbecue Sloppy Joe**: Incorporates barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.

Cultural Impact

The Sloppy Joe has become a staple in American cuisine, often served in school cafeterias and at casual gatherings. It is also a popular dish for home cooks due to its simplicity and versatility.

Related Pages

• Hamburger
• Sandwich
• Comfort food
• American cuisine

See Also

• Sloppy Joe's Bar
• Ernest Hemingway
• Ground beef