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

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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. Better than a basic burger and much more messy, the humble sloppy Joe remains a cultural icon despite its controversial origins.

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.

What was once considered a meal to satisfy those stretching their budget has evolved into a highly sought-after sandwich. These days, there are plenty of modifications, upgrades, and new takes on the classic recipe for a considerably more decadent treat. You can easily prepare your own at home and get creative with experimental culinary flourishes.

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.

While a basic combination of ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar completes a simple four-ingredient sloppy Joe sauce, it's easy enough to make a few additions to level up this sloppy Joe staple. Try including hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika to infuse your sandwich with a little more heat. Adjust the balance of sweetness and spice to your liking and consider other complementary flavors you can mix into the sauce.

The standard hamburger bun is consistent with the classic recipe; however, you don't have to stop there. Try a brioche roll, pretzel bun, or even a couple of pieces of garlic bread to house your sloppy Joe filling. Add a topping of coleslaw, kimchi, or a helping of shredded cheese or nacho cheese sauce to further modify the sandwich into a luxurious treat. This history sandwich has a place in the past, present, and future of fulfilling foods.