The Sloppy Joe is one of America’s favorite hot sandwiches – a delicious combination of ground beef, onions, sweetened tomato sauce and seasonings slapped on a thick hamburger bun.
Most historians think the Sloppy Joe originated in Havana, Cuba in the early 1900s at a bar and café called “Sloppy Joe’s.” Today, it seems every region has its own variation of the sandwich – and it’s perfect for casual parties, picnics, and get-togethers.
In case you were curious . . . here's some interesting facts!
- The Sloppy Joe has other names! It's sometimes called the manwich, slush burger, yum yum, barbecue, dynamite, gulash, steamer, wimpie, or even sloppy Jane.
- Even before the 1960s, when Sloppy Joes gained most of their popularity, they had a powerful cultural presence, and were mentioned in several famous movies including “Citizen Kane” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
- Some folks think the Sloppy Joe was a product of World War II rationing when homemakers mixed their meats with a variety of sauces to stretch their dollars.
- You don’t necessarily need the beef! Some variations of the Sloppy Joe recipe use chuck roast or even chicken.
- Other, even more adventurous recipes include spices like cinnamon or brown sugar.
- The second ingredient in the Sloppy Joe sauce – after tomato puree – is high fructose corn syrup.
- One Sloppy Joe advertisement says: “A sandwich is a sandwich, but a Manwich is a meal.” Well said!
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