Momma's Sloppy Joe

This is the kind of sloppy joe that came off a recipe card decades ago, and it still works like a charm. The retro secret is a can of chicken gumbo soup, which quietly carries all the okra, vegetables, and seasoning so you don’t have to chop or measure a thing.

Brown a pound and a half of ground beef, stir in the soup and a can of tomato paste, and let it bubble away. The paste thickens everything into a glossy, spoonable filling while the long simmer lets the flavors deepen and meld.

In under an hour, with just three ingredients and one pan, you’ve got a thick, tangy, savory mound ready to pile onto soft buns. It’s the definition of an easy, budget-friendly family dinner, the kind kids ask for again and again.

Kitchen Tips

• Drain the fat after browning the beef so the finished sloppy joes aren’t greasy.
• Simmer long enough for the mixture to thicken. A watery filling slides right off the bun, so cook it down until it mounds on a spoon.
• Toast the buns before filling. A little crispness keeps them from going soggy under the saucy beef.
• It doubles easily and reheats beautifully, so make a big batch for a crowd.

Variations

• Stir in a spoonful of brown sugar or a splash of vinegar to balance sweet and tangy.
• Add diced onion or bell pepper with the beef for more texture, or top with shredded cheese.