Sloppy Joe Sub Sandwiches

Personal chefs prepare nutritious, gourmet meals at least three times a day for their family.  We create fresh flowers arrangements for the table daily all while wearing a perfectly starched white coat.  Do you believe that?  I hope not. 

My family will be the first to tell you that that isn't even close to the reality of living with a personal chef.  I do a whole lot of cooking for people that do not live in my house and more often than not - I serve my own family the leftovers, the test dishes or the mistakes.  They're very accustomed to eating meals comprised the food that I over estimated for a catering job. 

When I do make something specifically for my own family, it's generally something  very simple and classic.  In this case - I did my own version of the traditional Sloppy Joe sandwich.  (A favorite of my 19 year old.)  She was apprehensive about my updated sandwich because she's so fond of the original but I think I was able to win her over with my Sloppy Joe Sub Sandwich.  

Sloppy Joe Sub Sandwiches
Sauce                                                                        Sandwiches
1 cup ketchup                                                         1 Tablespoon oil
3 Tablespoons cider vinegar                               1 pound 85% lean beef
2 Tablespoons brown sugar                                 1 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon thyme                                              3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard                                   4 (6 inch) sub rolls
1 clove minced garlic                                            8 slices American cheese
3/4 teaspoon chili powder                                  1 onion, diced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
​

Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. 

Heat oil in skillet.  Add beef, onion, pepper and salt.  Cook until liquid evaporates. 

Add 1 cup sauce.   Reduce heat and simmer 1 minute.

Place rolls on a baking sheet.  Divide meat mixture among rolls evenly. 

Top with slices of American cheese. 

Bake 5 minutes at 350.

Spoon remaining sauce over meat and close sandwiches. 

Sloppy joes are comfort food in my house so here's to a night of wonderfully warm and satisfying food that didn't start out at someone else's dinner.  

​Ciao!

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