Dirty Boys. Sloppy Joes.

Boy (n.) 1. a noise with dirt on it

I used to own scrapbooking paper emblazoned with this statement.  It’s perfect and I’ve never forgotten it. If you have boys, have entertained their chaotic play in your home, or been anywhere that boys like to hang out (i.e., near dumpsters, dead animals, or mud puddles) I am sure you can agree this is quite an accurate definition 🙂

So, what do you make for dinner when you’re going to have a houseful of these creatures for a sleepover??

Sloppy Joes, of course!  I figured Sloppy Joes were something that would please everybody, fill their constantly hungry bellies, and also be quick and easy to make.  After hunting around a bit for the right recipe, I settled on one from Rachael Ray. They were fantastic! They were saucy, just a little bit sweet, and finished with a zesty kick. The brown sugar, Worcestershire, and seasoning mix were the perfect combo and gave me just what I was hoping for. I got thumbs up from all the boys and the hubby as well.  Score!

I even made my own version of Montreal steak seasoning, since I had none on hand. I knew what the ingredients were, but not the proportions, so I took a guess and loved the results.  I’ve included that below as well, but you can just as easily use the real stuff (by McCormick) if you have it!

Sloppy Joes
adapted from Rachael Ray
Serves 8-10

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds ground turkey
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons steak seasoning blend (recipe below)
1 Vidalia onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 – 15 ounce cans tomato sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
8 whole grain hamburger rolls, lightly buttered and toasted

Julie’s Steak Seasoning (makes ~ 2 tablespoons needed for this recipe)
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Heat a large nonstick skillet or 4-quart saucepan over medium high heat. Add oil and ground turkey to the pan. Brown the meat for a few minutes, breaking it up as you stir. Add the brown sugar and the steak seasoning and cook for a few minutes, stirring as needed.

When the meat has browned, add onion, red peppers, red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and paste, stir and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook the Sloppy Joe mixture 5 minutes longer.

Scoop the meat mixture onto the toasted, buttered bun bottoms and cover with bun tops. Serve with your favorite sides, like sweet pickles, sliced tomatoes, sliced fruit, or cucumber salad.