Quick & Easy Sloppy Joes

I have made sloppy joes for years.They are super easy, inexpensive, and a huge crowd pleaser.

I am known for being picky when it comes to sloppy joes. I don't care for Manwich because A. it has a thick layer of fat on the top and B. it's way too sweet for me. And while I enjoy bell peppers, they have no place in my sloppy joes. I think they tend to take over the flavor of the meat and sauce.

When I was in high school I went to a friends house. We were filming a project for Sunday school. It got to be lunch time and there were a lot of us to feed. My friend was making sloppy joes for everyone. I wanted to know what was going into the mix so I hung out in the kitchen. I was very surprised at what I saw- ground beef, chicken gumbo soup, mustard, and ketchup.That was all. I had no idea how this was going to make sloppy joes.(I really only knew sloppy joes to be very tomato-y and super rich via school lunches) I tried a sandwich anyway.

It was the best sloppy joe I had ever had. I asked for the recipe and that was that. It's the only way I make sloppy joes.

I get asked for the recipe whenever I make them. People can't believe how simple they are.

Try them, you'll fall in love with a childhood classic all over again. :)

Here's to you and your culinary adventures, friends. Cheers!

Sloppy Joe Meat Mix
110 calories per serving
8 servings

1 can light chicken gumbo soup
1/2-2/3 soup can water
1 lb extra lean ground beef 
2 TBS ketchup 
1 TBS mustard
light sprinkle of brown sugar (scant 1/2 tsp) 
salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/3 cup diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic

Brown beef (along with onion & garlic if using) in a deep skillet. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in condensed soup, water, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes stirring occasionally until mixture is thickened.

Serve on buns or with ripple potato chips.