The Original Joe Sandwich

Discover the delicious world of The Original Joe Sandwich, a flavorful classic with a rich history. This iconic delight features savory ground beef or turkey, melted cheese, and a signature tomato sauce that packs a punch. Dive into our blog post for easy step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and creative variations to customize your sandwich. Ready to create this comforting masterpiece at home? Click through to explore these mouthwatering recipes!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, finely chopped (red or green)

1 cup tomato sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon brown sugar

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 slices of crusty bread or hamburger buns

4 slices of cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they soften, about 4-5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Mix in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

While the mixture simmers, toast the slices of bread or buns until slightly crispy.

Once the meat mixture has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat.

On each slice of bread or on the bottom half of each bun, layer a generous scoop of the meat mixture. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese.

Place the sandwiches under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly—watch closely to prevent burning.

Remove from the oven, top with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and finish with the top half of the bread or bun.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Serving Suggestions: Serve the sandwiches with a side of potato chips or a simple green salad. For a fun twist, add pickles or hot sauce on the side for an optional zing!