Joe was the Chef and Sloppy was the Sandwich

Early 20th century America cookbooks offer plenty of sloppy joe type recipes, though they go by different titles. Names such as toasted deviled hamburgers, chopped meat sandwiches, haburg a la creole, beef mironton and minced beef spanish style. 

Research shows that the sloppy joe began in Sioux City Iowa. A cafe served up a "loose meat sandwich" in 1930. The cook who created the sandwich went by no other name but Joe. 

In 1940's the sandwich was being referred to as a "sloppy joe" The sandwich could be purchased for a dime. 

In the 1960's sloppy joe sauce was sold in cans to purchase in grocery stores. Manwich was one of the brands available.

Here is a version you will want to hopefully test with your bunch at home.

1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup ketchup
3 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 cup water

Here's what you need to do:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, onion and green pepper. Drain and return to pan.

Add the garlic powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire Sauce and water. Stir well, cover, reduce heat and cook 20 minutes.

Serve on toasted buns.

I hope you enjoy this homemade sloppy joe recipe!

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