The Cheap '70s Comfort Sandwich That Has Became Luxurious Now - Tasting Table

"The 1970s were a time for weird foods that defy the logic and taste buds of most modern individuals. Between molded savory gelatins, balls of cheese, and questionable canned goods, there's a lot that deserves to be left behind as a relic of history. One particular sandwich, however, has ridden the wave of popularity to transform from a cheap go-to meal into a luxurious dish."

"With a murky history that places its inception somewhere between 1910 and the early 1930s, the sandwich traditionally consists of a bun filled with cooked ground beef in a tomato sauce. In the 1940s and 1950s, it rose to prominence in American youth culture as a staple of school cafeterias. The advent of Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce in 1969 set the stage for the sloppy Joe to skyrocket to foodie fame."

"Though the original recipe calls for ground beef, there are a number of updated varieties that can accommodate vegan or vegetarian diets. Try an Instant Pot sloppy Joe recipe for a protein-packed version that comes together in less than half an hour. You can also use plant-based crumbles such as Gardein Gluten-Free Plant-Based Ground Be'f Crumbles with a store-bought or scratch-made sauce. If you prefer poultry proteins, try making a sloppy Joe filling using ground chicken or turkey."

The sloppy Joe originated between 1910 and the early 1930s and traditionally consists of a bun filled with cooked ground beef in a tomato-based sauce. The sandwich became prominent in American youth culture during the 1940s and 1950s as a school cafeteria staple. The 1969 introduction of Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce popularized the sandwich among broader food audiences. Once a budget-friendly meal, the sloppy Joe has transformed into a sought-after, often decadent sandwich with many upgrades and experimental variations. Modern iterations include Instant Pot preparations, plant-based crumbles like Gardein Gluten-Free Plant-Based Ground Be'f, and poultry versions using ground chicken or turkey.

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