Sloppy Joes for Tailgating

Have you thought much about sloppy Joes lately?  I know…….I haven’t either.  I think they are sort of a 1960’s comfort food that most of us have just written off.  That all changed this week, though, when I volunteered to make lunch for 16 staff members at our church.  I needed foods that would be somewhat easy to make, feed a crowd, transport easily, and be tasty.  Then I realized  those are the same requirements for tailgating foods.  So, I did some research and decided that the Pioneer Woman’s sloppy Joes recipe looked really good and easy to make.  I made them and delivered them to the staff along with a big tossed salad, potato chips, and ended with orange brownies for dessert.  When I went back to pick up the serving dishes, everyone said the food was really good, and they were all smiling.  I take that as a good sign.  Don’t you?  If you like to have a stash of tailgating recipes that you know are trusted winners, then add this one to your list.  Your friends and family will really appreciate it.

 

SLOPPY JOES

 

(source – The Pioneer Woman)

 

 

• 2 Tablespoons Butter

• 2-1/2 pounds Ground Beef (I used ground turkey)

• 1/2 whole Large Onion, Diced

• 1 whole Large Green Bell Pepper, Diced

• 5 cloves Garlic, Minced

• 1-1/2 cup Ketchup

• 1 cup Water

• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

• 2 teaspoons Chili Powder (more To Taste)

• 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (more To Taste)

• Worcestershire Sauce, To Taste

• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste (optional)

• Tabasco Sauce (optional; To Taste)

• Salt To Taste

• Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste

Add butter to a large skillet or dutch oven over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until brown. Drain most of the fat and discard.

Add onions, green pepper, and garlic. Cook for a few minutes, or until vegetables begin to get soft.

Add ketchup, brown sugar, chili pepper, dry mustard, and water. Stir to combine and simmer for 15 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste. Also add tomato paste, Worcestershire, and Tabasco if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

 

Are you going tailgating this week-end?  If you are, stop by here first to see the Saturday Selections.  I have done something a little different this week since Jordan is away.  (You know…..while the cat’s away…..)  Then we’re going tailgating before the UK vs. Florida game.  And guess what I’m taking!!!

 

Take care.