Cheddar, Rice, or Smokey Sloppy Joes

One quick and easy way to feed the family is with Sloppy Joes. This mixture of meat, onions, and sauce cooked together makes great, easy sandwiches. Ready in minutes in one skillet or left to simmer for hours in a slow cooker, they are a busy family’s dream.

When the family is going in different directions to school activities, games, etc, a pot of Sloppy Joes is the perfect way for each to find a hot meal at whatever time they hit the kitchen. Here we offer three different versions of Sloppy Joes, all sure to please that busy family of yours! The Rice Sloppy Joes had a grain to your sandwich while it almost goes undetected. For a healthier version, use brown rice and whole-wheat buns. Cheesey Sloppy Joes have cheese spread (Velveeta) cooked right in and the Smokey Sloppy Joes use liquid smoke for an outdoor grill flavor. Serve with a condiment/veggie tray of an assortment of pickles and carrot and celery sticks, fresh broccoli florets, etc.

Rice Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 2 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large onion,chopped
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp uncooked quick-cook rice
• 3/4 of a small bottle of catsup
• small amount of water
• 1 small can tomato paste

In a large skillet brown the ground beef with the onion until no longer pink; drain well in a colander. Return to skillet and add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rice. Mix the catsup with approximately a couple of tablespoons of water to thin; add to the skillet mixture. Cook over low heat until the rice is done. Add the tomato paste and simmer 5 minutes adding small amounts of water, if needed.

Serve on hamburger buns or your favorite sandwich rolls.

Cheesy Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 small carton Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 can (14 1/2-oz) can diced tomatoes
• 6 hamburger buns

In a large skillet brown the ground beef and drain. Add the onion and bell pepper, saute until tender. Stir in the cheese and tomatoes; stir and cook over medium-low until the liquid cooks out. Serve on the buns.

Smokey Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup catsup
• 2 tbsp prepared mustard
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 to 4 drops liquid smoke
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

In a large nonstick skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and salt. Cook, stirring to crumble, until meat is no longer pink and onion is becoming transparent. Drain off any excess fat, if necessary. Return to skillet and simmer for a few minutes to combine all the flavors. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite condiments.

Enjoy!

The Author:

Linda shares more of her quick and easy recipes on her blog at http://grandmasquickfixrecipes.blogspot.com