Sloppy Joe

Among the wide variety of American burgers, the Sloppy Joe has remained popular for over a century. This is because Sloppy Joe is a relatively easy, convenient, and inexpensive burger, typically made from ground beef, onions, and tomato sauce. Today, Rimping Supermarket will take you on a deep dive into the origins and deliciousness of this beloved American classic.

The Origin of Sloppy Joe: Debates from Cuba to Iowa

The true origin of the Sloppy Joe remains a topic of debate, but one widely accepted theory suggests it was created at a famous restaurant in Havana, Cuba, owned by José García.

In 1917, it is said that José García served a sandwich made of ground beef and tomato sauce to a regular customer and called it Sloppy. He used this name because the sandwich was quite messy, with the ground beef overflowing from the bun and greasy sauce, thus giving it its "sloppy" moniker.

Soon after, the popularity of the "Sloppy" grew. The renowned writer Ernest Hemingway suggested renaming the sandwich Sloppy Joe, crediting José as its creator. From then on, "Sloppy Joe" became the term used for sandwiches or burgers made from ground beef. Ernest Hemingway even suggested that José rename his bar to Sloppy Joe's bar, further popularizing the name.

Another theory suggests that Sloppy Joe was created by a cook named Joe at Floyd Angell's Café in Sioux City, Iowa, USA, during the Great Depression. It originated out of necessity, as Joe sought to create an economical and filling dish. Ground beef, being readily available and inexpensive, was combined with tomato sauce to make a sandwich, which he named Sloppy Joe.

Regional Variations of Sloppy Joe

Regardless of its exact origin, it is undeniable that Sloppy Joe has gained widespread acceptance in both the United States and Cuba. It has evolved into a variety of regional forms, such as:

In the Midwest, Sloppy Joe is often referred to as a Loose meat sandwich. This version typically omits tomato sauce, using only ground beef, onions, and spices, emphasizing the meat's flavor.

In New Jersey and New York, Sloppy Joe is known as a Jersey Sloppy Joe. This is a distinctly different sandwich, made with thinly sliced rye bread layered with ground turkey, ham, or roast beef, along with Swiss cheese and Russian dressing.

In the Southern United States, Sloppy Joe is often called Sloppy Jim or Barbecue Sandwich because it uses barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce, giving it a unique Southern flavor profile.

Current Popularity and Role of Sloppy Joe

In 1950, Sloppy Joe gained even more popularity when the sauce company Hunt's began selling pre-made Sloppy Joe sauce, making its preparation much easier. As a result, Sloppy Joe became an accessible dish in many households and a favorite for quick lunches or dinners.

Today, Sloppy Joe remains a popular and easy-to-make dish in the United States and many other countries worldwide. It is commonly found in fast-food restaurants and comes in diverse recipes to cater to the tastes of people in different regions, reflecting its adaptability and enduring classic appeal.