Oh comfort food, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways — squash macaroni and cheese, white chicken chili, beef stew, sloppy joes. So that might not be what Elizabeth Barret Browning had in mind, but if she can profess her love for then husband-to-be Robert Browning, I can profess my love for my favorite type of dish when the weather outside turns frightful. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself!)

Easy to make, easy on the checkbook and that perfect combination of warming and filling, comfort food is an awesome option come mealtime during the winter months. At the top of my family’s comfort food list is this sloppy joe recipe. Up until a few years ago I didn’t think much of sloppy joes beyond the canned sauce, but then my sister-in-law shared this homemade recipe with me and it has been true love ever since. I’ve made it for a quick weeknight meal, for family on the weekends and for approximately 50 people at a church picnic. It’s cheap, it’s quick and it’s just plain good. Enjoy!

 

Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 hamburger buns

 

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Sir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder and salt.

2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Serve on buns.

 

Notes:

• Ground turkey would work well with this recipe.

• This is delicious served over rice, biscuits, baked potatoes, tater tots, sweet potato puffs, by the spoonful — you get the idea!

 

Jennifer Levisen lives and works in Albert Lea. She enjoys finding new recipes to share with her family and friends.