I have never been much of a fan of Sloppy Joe sandwiches. I think I remember liking the ones my mother used to make. But that has been so long ago I really don't remember what they were like. I have tried all the canned versions and they all taste just a little off to me. I have never been able to figure out what it is about the canned sauce I don't like. I just don't think there is one out there I would care for.

So, after doing a little research I have found it can be a very simple recipe or an elaborate one. Since most of us prefer simplicity I focused in a few of those easier recipes. There was only one that really intrigued me. It was on a very faded recipe card from I am not sure where. It included an envelope of onion soup mix in it.

I then went online to the Lipton website to check into this. Lo and behold there it was again. The exact same recipe only direct from the Lipton test kitchen. I had to try this recipe.

It turned out great. I will be adding this one to my most used recipe files. I do hope you try it. I did make one minor change. Instead of the 1 ½ pounds of ground beef Lipton has listed in their version I used 2 pounds and it made no difference I am sure. It just made more to use as leftovers for a lunch sometime.

Some of the other ingredients I found in all the other recipes included: sautéed onion, sautéed green bell pepper, sautéed celery, sweet pickle relish, barbecue sauce, A-1 steak sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, prepared mustard, dry mustard powder, chili powder, vinegar, and celery seeds. You may want to try this recipe with an addition or two from this list.

Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan and drain the excess fat. Stir in the onion soup mix, ketchup, water and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10 minutes till sauce is nice and thick. Spoon onto toasted hamburger buns and serve.