Sloppy Joes

Like many dishes from the 30's, it is hard to pinpoint the history. Wars have many ways of leaving an imprint on people's daily lives, from the positive introduction of foreign foods to most of the American comfort foods of today. Sloppy Joe's was one of them. Some say the rationing of foods created many one pot meals we still eat today. Every mother learned how to stretch their pitiful allotment of meats and dairy.
Although one theory is, it was loosely based on the loose meat sandwiches they served in the middle of America and others will tell you that loose meat sandwich came from the meals that were fed to people during the depression where meat had to go a long way and feed many people.

What ever the origin of this dish is, I know this for sure, it's one easy, tasty dish. Well, this recipe is.
I admit I used to buy the powdered packet of spices and mix them with a can of tomato paste and water, but after making this recipe there really is no reason not to make it from scratch.
All that tomato paste is actually burning a whole in your intestinal tract, and we wouldn't want that would we, especially for the kids. Starting them on a daily diet of Tums is not the way to raise your family.

I always have a cup of homemade spaghetti sauce in my fridge but a good jarred one will work as well.
Try to find the ones with the least amount of fat and sugar (minimum 4g). Yes, they all have lots of sugar, not many manufacturers will want to simmer a sauce for hours when a bucketful of sugar does the same thing in 20 minutes.

I was surprised how easy this was to make and even though I doubled the recipe, I could have doubled that and it would have disappeared. I forgot how much The Nudge loves this kind of food and it has been a while since we had a good Sloppy Joe. His mom made this a lot and my mom did not but I can appreciate a classic, especially this healthy version.

While The Nudge had his on Martin's party rolls, I personally like the open-face concept. I guess I just don't like all the filling oozing out every time I take a bite and less bread is a good thing. The Nudge never seems to have that problem with the small slider rolls, he pops the whole thing into his mouth.

Make a double batch and freeze half for later. Next time you want Stuffed Peppers, defrost, add some chopped pimento stuffed olives and cooked rice. BINGO! Bake until soft and dinner is served.

Sloppy Joe's
serves 4 (4oz each)

* 1 pound 85% lean ground meat (all white meat turkey or chicken also)
* 1/2 cup each chopped onion & green bell pepper
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 cup marinara sauce or canned Italian chopped tomatoes
* 2 tablespoons low sugar ketchup
* 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon powdered mustard
* salt & pepper to taste
* Dozen slider rolls
* Grated Smoked Gouda (optional)

1. Saute ground meat with onions, peppers and garlic until the meat is browned.
2. Drain all the fat off and add the rest of the ingredients with 1/4 cup water.
3. Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes.

Label nutritionals do not include the rolls.