Sloppy Joes

I don't remember how I came across this recipe. I think I really wanted to make sloppy Joes from scratch and see if they were worth the trouble. This is the original recipe from Bobby Flay's Throwdown. I made a few changes to make the BBQ sauce a little less spicy so Jack could eat it and cut back on some of the simmering. I usually don't bother even trying recipes if they have more than 10 ingredients. Emeril Lagasse's recipes don't normally make it into my binder of favorites. My version of the (printer-friendly version) BBQ sauce and  "Neat Joes":


BBQ Sauce


2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 1/2 teaspoons out of the jar)
2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle powder
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons molasses
salt and pepper, to taste


I put everything in the slow cooker on low for about 6 hours. I don't remember exactly how long. I just let it go until the onions were soft. I'd make this on a day when you can keep an eye on it because the sugars will burn and it won't taste as delicious. I also don't puree it. I did the first time I made it, but really, you're only pureeing the onions. It's not a necessary step in making the sloppy joes.


Stove-top directions are the same as Bobby's:
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan. Add the onions and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ketchup and the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.


Neat Joes


1 tablespoon canola oil
2 pounds ground turkey
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced celery (I think 1 rib will do)
1 roasted red bell pepper, diced
1 roasted yellow bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons out of the jar)
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
1 1/4 cups BBQ sauce (from above recipe)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
2 tablespoon cider vinegar


Heat oil over medium high heat in a large saute pan. Add ground turkey and brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste while it's browning. Transfer to a bowl or plate.


Add a little more oil to the pan, if necessary. Add onion and celery and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers and garlic and cook for about a minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the ancho chili powder and cook for 30 seconds. Add the rest of ingredients except the cider vinegar. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Add meat back to pan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in cider vinegar.


We like to serve on sandwich rounds. The leftovers are even more tasty!