Sloppy Joe Burger

• Sloppy Joe Burger, also called Sloppy Joe Sandwich, is a typical American dish. In the US, these burgers are affectionately known as “Sloppy Joe”. The name of this hearty fast food is translated as "sloppy Joe". Anyone who has ever held one in their hand knows why they are called that: instead of a firm burger patty, a sweet meat and tomato sauce, similar to a Bolognese sauce, is piled between two halves of a roll. These are called "Joe" after their inventor, a chef in Iowa, whose sauce sandwiches were so popular that they were named after him - at least that's what one of the legends surrounding the "Sloppy Joe" says.
• Sloppy Joes can be eaten as fast food in between meals. With crispy French fries and juicy coleslaw, the typical American coleslaw, they become a complete meal.
• In the USA there are now many variations of Sloppy Joes. To make the dish spicier, chopped celery stalks and carrots can be added to the pan along with peppers and garlic. Instead of ground beef, other ground beef can be used.
• There are also vegan and vegetarian variants, you can replace the meat with tofu or soy mince. Alternatively, simply add cooked lentils to the sauce.

And this is how it is done:

• Peel the onion and garlic and cut into small cubes. Wash the peppers and cut into small pieces.
• Put some oil in a large pan and heat. Add the meat and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until it turns a little brown and starts to crumble.
• Now add the onions. When they turn a little brown, add the garlic and paprika. As soon as the vegetables have softened a little, deglaze with a little water.
• Now add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard and a little salt and pepper.
• Let the sauce simmer gently for at least 40 minutes. The longer the sauce simmers, the better it gets. It should now be a little thickened. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
• Cut the burger bun in half and place with the cut side in a pan or on a grill until it is crispy toasted. Spread the sauce on the lower halves of the bun, put on the upper halves as a lid and enjoy.