The Fantabulous Chronicles

When you crave a hearty, comforting meal that’s not afraid to get a little messy (okay, maybe a lot), the beloved Sloppy Joe steps onto the scene. This culinary marvel combines a luscious, savory sauce with tender ground meat, transforming it into the ultimate quick and scrumptious dinner option. You can savor them as a sandwich with a side of coleslaw or pickles, or elevate your game by serving them atop a crispy bed of golden french fries. And for those who dare to tread into uncharted flavor territories, don’t forget to crown your creation with a slice of cheese—because, let’s be honest, everything gets funnier with a cheesy twist!

Now, for those not acquainted with the quirks of the Dakotas, here’s a delightful tidbit: Sloppy Joes are also affectionately known as “Barbeques.” This name swap can be quite the head-scratcher, especially for outsiders. You see, in many places, “barbeque” conjures images of grilling in the great outdoors, but here, it’s all about embracing the wonderfully messy sandwich. Just picture the look on my wife’s face when she first heard that twist of culinary nomenclature!

Ingredients:
1 lb. Ground Meat – Can be Beef or Turkey
1 Tbsp. Butter
1/2 Yellow Onion Chopped
1/2 Bell Pepper Chopped (Any Color will do fine)
1 Clove Garlic Minced
2 tsp. Yellow Mustard
3/4 Cup Ketchup
2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
1/4 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

Directions:

1. Drop that ground beef into a sizzling skillet, and don’t be shy—let it sizzle until it’s got a deep, dark tan that even beachgoers would envy. Don’t break apart until it has a deep brown crust; we’re talking about beef on a tropical vacation here!
2. Give that beef a quick stir-fry workout until it reaches that magical halfway mark—about 50% of it should be sporting a golden crust. By this point, your beef should be feeling as cooked through as a Shakespearean drama. But before it gets too dramatic, scoop out the beef, bid farewell to the fat (we don’t need that drama either), and add some butter as well as onions and bell pepper!
3. Now, while those veggies start to dance and get cozy in the pan, give them a minute or two to show off their tanning skills—brown is the new green, after all. But remember, don’t interrupt their sunbathing session too soon; they’re aiming for that toasted glow. Then, just when they think they’ve mastered the art of tanning, give them another spin and reintroduce the beef to the party.
4. It’s garlic’s time to shine! Add that aromatic charm along with mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of black pepper to the pan. Now, let the concoction simmer and reduce until it’s like the Vegas of mixtures—evaporate until about 75% of it is above the liquid! That should take about 3-5 minutes, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can pressure cook for 8 minutes and let it release its inner tension (natural release) for 5 more minutes.
5. Time for the grand finale! Serve this flavor-packed spectacle on hamburger buns with a slice of cheese—after all, what’s a beach party without a little cheese wave, right? Feeling like you’re on a gourmet getaway? Go ahead and let the cheese dive right into the heart of the sloppy joe meat mixture. This is your seaside culinary party, and you’re the head chef!

How do you like to savor your Sloppy Joes in style? Share your tasty twists with us in the comments, and if you had a blast reading this, don’t hesitate to give us a thumbs up and hit that subscribe button for all the tastiest updates! 🍔🤩👇