Not So Sloppy Joes

Normally I'm not the biggest fan of sloppy joes. I liked them every now and then, until I found these. Before I found this recipe, I had only made sloppy joes using a store bought seasoning packet that called for water and tomato paste. Well my friends, these are so much better. Now, remember what I said about not being a professional photographer? This post will definitely remind you of that. Despite how the food may look in the photos, it's delicious. Last time I made these, I also made the hamburger buns. I seriously hate running to the store for just one thing, and hamburger buns were never something I had on hand. Luckily, I found this recipe for easy buns in the same book that this sloppy joe recipe came from. I'll share them both.

Not So Sloppy Joes and Easy Hamburger Buns

Don't mind the crumbs on the plate. I had already eaten my first joe, and almost forgot to photograph the finished product. The crumbs are just proof of the yumminess awaiting you when you dive into your joes.

When I made this recipe for the first time, my husband and I both felt like the sloppy joes weren't quite sloppy enough. They were delicious, but the amount of sauciness reminded me more of seasoned ground beef used in tacos rather than the typical sloppy joe. The next time I made these, I decided to 1 and 1/2 the amount of ingredients but to keep the meat ratio the same. The result... genius.

I don't have pictures of the hamburger buns being made because I didn't plan on including them in this post, but since they turned out so good, I had to. Funny story, when I first made the buns, I halved the recipe because it was going to make  12-15 buns and I didn't need that many. I was skeptical as to how they would turn out. It ended up making 8 buns once I halved it. My husband absolutely loved these buns. He told me he was pretty sure he never wanted me to buy store-bought buns again. My first thought was "Oh no, what have I done?" Then I bit into a bun for myself and I agreed. These are so easy to make and so much better than the fluff you buy at the store. Not only do these buns not go soggy as quickly, but they are more dense, yet not too dense. I ended up being a little bummed I hadn't made a full batch. I say only a little bummed because, like I said, they really are easy. However, next time I'll definitely make the full batch and freeze the leftovers for future meals. 

Brown your meat and onion until onion is tender and meat is cooked. Drain the fat. Side note, if you're not a big fan of onions you can substitute the actual onion for 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, or sprinkle in some dried onion flakes while the meat is cooking like I do sometimes. Like my handy "ChopStir?" Get one here.

Meanwhile in small bowl whisk together all other ingredients. Now, technially the original recipe called for 5 tablespoons of ketchup. Since I one and a halved the sauce ingredients, that would mean 7 1/2 tablespoons of ketcup. I don't know about you but I most certainly don't want to waste time measuring out 7 1/2 tablespoons of ketchup. Instead I suggest using slightly less than 1/2 cup of ketchup since a 1/2 cup is equivalent to 8 tablespoons. Close enough right?

Add mixture to cooked meat and heat thoroughly. Make sure you mix it into the meat well so you won't have any dry spots in your meat. 

Serve on toasted or untoasted hamburger buns. 

Sloppy Joes

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped, or 1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 cup ketchup (slightly less)

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3 teaspoons brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

1 1/2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3/4 teaspoon salt

6 hamburger buns

Brown your meat and onion until onion is tender and meat is cooked. Drain the fat. Meanwhile in small bowl whisk together all other ingredients. Add mixture to cooked meat and heat thoroughly. Serve on toasted or untoasted hamburger buns. 

Easy Hamburger Buns

5-6 cups flour

2 pkgs. or 2 Tablespoons yeast

1 cup milk

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup oil

1/4 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon salt

    butter or margarine melted to brush on tops

Stir together 2 cups flour and yeast. In a saucepan on medium, heat milk, water, oil, sugar and salt to very warm (120-130 degrees). Add liquid all at once to flour mixture. beat until smooth (about 3 minutes) on medium speed with an electric mixer or 300 strokes by hand. Add enough additional flour to make a soft dough; mix well. Let rest 10 minutes. roll out on well floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with 3 inch round cutter, coffee can, or the rim of a glass. Place rounds on greased baking sheet. Let rise in a warm place (80 degrees) for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Brush melted butter or margarine on tops while still warm. Slice in half. Makes 12-15 buns.

These recipes appear in Dining on a Dime Cook Book. Sloppy Joe recipe has been adapted. Purchase your own Dining on a Dime Cook Book here. Visit www.livingonadime.com.