SANDWICH ESSENTIALS: KICKED UP SLOPPY JOE'S

Sandwich Essentials: Kicked Up Sloppy Joe's image

This sauce is a bit different from the regular ingredients used in a "traditional" sloppy joe sauce. It is bolder, and delivers a spicy essence that brings out the flavors of the beef. As a matter of fact, I can envision using this sauce with pork, or even chicken. It compliments; not covers. So, you ready... Let's get into the kitchen.

Provided by Andy Anderson ! @ThePretentiousChef

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
THE SLOPPY
1 cup(s) ketchup, homemade or organic
3 tablespoon(s) apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon(s) coconut sugar
2 tablespoon(s) worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon(s) tomato paste
1 teaspoon(s) dried thyme
1 teaspoon(s) mustard powder
1 teaspoon(s) ancho chili powder
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt, kosher variety
1/4 teaspoon(s) white pepper, freshly ground
THE JOE'S
2 - 3 slice(s) fresh, bacon, chopped
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
1 pound(s) ground chuck, freshly ground
4 ounce(s) italian sausage, hot or mild, your choice
- freshly shredded cheese, for topping

Steps:

PREP/PREPARE
Homemade Worcestershire: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/diy-essentials-homemade-worcestershire-sauce.html?r=1 Homemade Ketchup: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/versatile-homemade-ketchup.html?r=1 I usually serve these with fries... If you are looking for a dipping sauce that is more than ketchup, check this out: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/dip/dip-essentials-french-fry-dipping-sauce.html
Chef's Note: The base for this recipe comes from my cousin who cooked at a restaurant in London. He was on vacation here in the States, and found the recipe in Michigan After going back to London, he made his own changes, and then emailed it back to me, here in Wichita. I made my own changes, and here it is... This is a well-traveled recipe :-)
Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
THE SLOPPY
Add all the sauce ingredients together in a small saucepan.
Bring up to a simmer, and cook for 3 - 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly.
Take off the heat and reserve.
Chef's Note: At this point you can place the sauce into a sealed container and store in the fridge for 5 - 7 days, before using.
THE JOE'S
Place a rack in the bottom position, and preheat the oven to 350f (175c).
Add the bacon to a sauté pan over medium heat.
Cook until the bacon renders its fat, and begins to brown, about 4 - 5 minutes.
Add the onions, and cook until softened, but not browned, about 2 - 3 minutes.
Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan.
Stir, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 - 7 minutes.
Add the reserved sauce, and combine.
Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 3 - 5 minutes. It will thicken slightly, as it simmers.
Chef's Note: Do a final tasting for proper seasoning.
Place them on the bread of your choice, and top with some cheese. I am using a red gouda cheese, but you could use any cheese that you fancy.
Chef's Note: I love using a nicely butter-toasted Kaiser roll.
Pop them into the oven, and bake until the cheese is nice and melty, about 3 - 4 minutes.
PLATE/PRESENT
Serve these like any other sloppy joe's. Enjoy.
Keep the faith, and keep cooking.