Band Camp Sloppy Joes

Submitted by yamma

"When our kids went to band camp, I used to volunteer. A school cook who worked at the camp showed me how to make this recipe. Now I make it for my grandkids and to share at get togethers with our friends. It's great on hot dogs too."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 5
• Serves: 10

ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3⁄4 cup ketchup
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar (more or less depending on how sweet you like your joe's)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

directions

1. Put ground beef into a large pan.
2. Put enough cold water over beef to cover.
3. Use you hands or take a fork and stir the meat in the cold water to break it into fine pieces (It looks a mess, but this is a great way to defat the burger).
4. Cook the hamburger and water stirring it until it comes to a boil, cook for 3-4 minute.
5. Carefully drain the meat into a large colander then return it to the pot.
6. Add the onion and cook until onion is clear.
7. Add ketchup, brown sugar and pepper.
8. Simmer for 20 minutes.
9. Serve on buns.
10. If you would like to make this ahead to serve later, just put it in the crock pot and set on low.
11. (Letting it simmer for a longer time makes it more tasty).

Reviews

[Melanie M]

I am one of the "band camp" kids so I know how good this is. Now that I make it myself, I also know how easy it is. I've made it when family comes to visit and they can't believe those are the only ingredients, but they are! I usually do not have brown sugar and just use regular.

 

[daisygrl64]

I am really really sorry, I don't like to give low reviews. I am going to give this 4 stars for easy prep. But........This was sweet and I didn't even use the amount of brown sugar it called for. It was sweet & dry once it was ready. So I had to put it back on the stovetop, I added a bit of water, garlic powder, and some hot pepper flakes just to get rid of the sweetness. Made for Zaars Chef Alphbet Soup Tag Game.

 

[Boxergurl]

Yum!! I'm really picky about sloppy joes. That stuff in a can is nasty, and the recipe I have been using was just ok. This recipe, however, is excellent!! I just browned the beef, rather than boiling it, and it still turned out wonderful. I did make more sauce... I wanted them sloppy! Thanks for sharing a great recipe!

 

[The Giggle Box]

This recipe is certainly very fast and easy. I made a few adjustments for my family's tastes - I used Ground turkey instead of beef and I didn't boil it in water. Instead I browned the turkey with the onions then drained the grease. I then added the other ingredients. Maybe it's because I reduced the recipe or because I didn't use the water, but I didn't have to simmer this for any time whatsoever. Next time I make this, I think I will add a green pepper and some spices for extra flavor. Overall, it was a very enjoyable meal.

 

[Wendie R]

This is one fast and easy recipe to make! Kids of all ages love it. I like mine a little spicy so I add a few spices to it.