Sloppy Joe Sandwiches (Slow Cooker)

If you've never been to Key West, Florida, or read much about the life of Ernest Hemingway you may think that Sloppy Joe sandwiches were brought to life by someone in your elementary school cafeteria.  But actually the original Sloppy Joe sandwiches come from a still popular restaurant on Duval Street in Key West named, that's right, Sloppy Joes, a favorite hangout of the famous author.  The sandwich has always been a favorite of family's everywhere as they are easy to make, and kids love 'em.  This recipe is a step up from the canned "Manwich" sauce and hamburger versions of our childhood, but because it's done in your slow cooker it's only a bit more trouble.  And they are very, very tasty!  Many thanks to America's Test Kitchen for the recipe.

Mash the bread cubes, milk, salt and pepper together with a fork until a rough paste is formed.  Add the ground beef and mix together with your hands until well combined.

Heat the oil in a large skillet until shimmering.  Add onions and cook until softened and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.  Stir in garlic and chili powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add half of the ground beef mixture and cook until no longer pink, all the while breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes.  Add remaining beef mixture and cook until no longer pink, an additional 5 minutes.  Stir in the sauce and mix all together then add to the slow cooker.

Add the ketchup, brown sugar and hot sauce (if using) to slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours,

Skim and discard the fat with a large spoon while breaking up any additional large pieces of ground beef.  If necessary adjust the consistency with hot water and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Spoon the mixture (piled high) on hamburger buns to serve.

Notes:

¼  ½  ¾  ^o

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