Home Ec Sloppy Joes

Are you of the generation that had to take home economics classed in Junior High?  Well I am, and besides the nifty duffel bag we sewed and a recipe for Party Fluff (to be posted at a later date!), this sloppy joe recipe is all that has stayed with me from Home Ec.  


On one past episode of The Next Food Network Star, a contestant made sloppy joes and to her bad luck, Martha Stewart was guest judging.  After one look at the sloppy joe before her Martha commented under her breath, "I never eat food like this."  Harumph!  I immediately thought of this recipe, now a family summer-time favorite, and had to make it in defiance of Ms. Stewart's refined opinions. (She would absolutely freak if she saw it topped with a melty slice of Velveeta but that's just how we roll!)

If you're in the mood for a little old school comfort food, try this sweet and savory twist on a barbecue cheeseburger.  Don't forget the all-white-flour buns!  

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. lean ground beef 

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup chopped celery

salt and pepper to taste

1 1/3 cup ketchup

1/2 c. water

1/2 lemon

1 Tbsp. vinegar

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

PROCESS

1.  In a large and deep saucepan, brown meat with onion, celery and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until browned.

2.  While meat is browning, stir together the ketchup, water, juice of half a lemon, vinegar, brown sugar and dry mustard.

3.  When meat is cooked, add sauce and stir until combined.

4.  Simmer on medium-low for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5.  Serve on buns with a slice of cheese if desired.

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