Sloppy Joes: COMPLETE and UNBELIEVABLE Origin Story

New Structure

This story became larger than life! For this reason, I decided to turn it into a series of articles. This is the first which will name all the players in the form of a chronological timeline. It is the best way I found to connect all the dots–sometimes I got dizzy trying to keep everything straight. Afterward, I will release articles for each timeline entry (below) which has a photo as I complete each. Once released, I will link each in this article as well. I hope you enjoy each story as much as I did!

The Skinny

The Sloppy Joe is a cherished icon in American culinary history, yet its true origins remain a mystery, largely due to widespread misinformation. Misconceptions arise from factors like careless and AI blogging, loyalty to supposed creators, and gaps in historical documentation. While some have the story mostly right, this journey led me down unexpected paths into the world of organized crime and the early days of the Great Depression. Through my research, it became clear that Sloppy Joes owe their existence to three key factors: U.S. prohibition, pre-Great Depression prosperity, and U.S. print media. Despite seeming random, I promise to connect all the dots and provide references. As always, I strove for primary and secondary resources whenever possible except in reference to other sources.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the story of Sloppy Joes!

~1446 BC Jewish People Received the 10 Commandments and later clarification not to kindle fires in their homes on God’s Day of rest for his people. The origination of Ropa Vieja is unknown, but the slow-cooking process and ingredients were adapted to provide warm meals on their day of “Shabbat.” The flavor and consistency of this dish laid the groundwork for the sandwich now known as a Sloppy Joe.

Ropa Vieja (A Meaty Dish Named “Old Clothes”)

Though there areThough there are several myths surrounding the origin of Ropa Vieja, the overarching message is it was an invention of necessity. In a time before modern-day conveniences, Jewish people began to adapt to life under God’s law. He commanded them to work for 6 days and rest on the seventh day. The specific order not to tend or start fires in their homes (Exodus 35:3) eventually meant making extra food on the sixth day so their families would have plenty to eat on their day of rest. One such adaptation for Jews in Spain and Portugal was a slow-cooked mixture of shredded beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and spices. Sound somewhat familiar? It worked perfectly as they were able to make it the night before to slowly cook for the next day over a hot fire in hopes that by the next mealtime, the fire would have gone out, but the food would still be warm and tasty. This method of preparation became a cultural norm for Jewish families wherever they immigrated, and through the centuries, home cooks adapted ingredients to local availability and even wartime spice shortages.

1904-1919 Jose worked while honing his skills as an expert mixologist and alcohol connoisseur.

The Spanish “Sloppy Joe” of Havana, Cuba: The Early Days

Jose (Garcia) Abeal Y Otero emigrated in 1904 from Spain to the Americas, where he was a bartender for three years in Havana (Cuba), six years in New Orleans (Louisianna), and six years in Miami (Florida). Prohibition brought him back to Havana in 1919, where he took another bartending job but decided to quit working for others only six months later.

December 18, 1917

“Prohibition” 18th Amendment to the US Constitution proposed by Congress

January 16, 1919

The 18th Amendment was passed with the required number of states voting in favor.

October 28, 1919

The Volstead Act was passed by Congress

January 16, 1920

New Laws Take Effect: United States Prohibition

December 5, 1933

United States Prohibition Ends with States’ Repeal and the Passing of the 21st Amendment

1919

The Spanish “Sloppy Joe” of Havana, Cuba

He may or may not have been of Jewish faith/descent, but Ropa Vieja would have been a comfort food for anyone from his hometown. While it was traditionally served with rice, he served it as a sandwich in his own pub.

New Money During the Great Depression: Hemmingway and the Golden Age of the Silverscreen

After

Hemmingway, Russell, Saunders, and “The Mob”

1926

Meanwhile, Back in the United States: Loose-Meat Burgers Catch On

Your Turn to Own the Sloppy Joe!

Yield: 5 Sandwiches

Best Homemade Sloppy Joes

Print

✔️ Please picky eaters

✔️ Satisfy hungry tummies

✔️ Feed everyone faster and with less mess!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs. of ground beef (leaner beef 90/10 will allow you to skip straining)
• 1/3 cup minced garlic
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
• 3 tsp green hatch chili spice
• 12 oz tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 heaping tbsp mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• Burger buns (sliced) OR Soft dinner rolls for some Sloppy Sliders
• ___________________________________
• Tools:
• Large skillet or pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Griddle or grill (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and just enough olive oil to coat the onions. Caramelize the onions, stirring to ensure it does not burn and gets evenly browned.
2. Add ground beef, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and hatch chili spice.
3. Stir and break up the beef into fine pieces while it cooks. The goals are even browning of the beef and spice distribution until it is fully cooked.
4. Reduce the heat to medium.
5. If you use lean beef (15% or less fat), you may skip this step if grease drippings are minimal. Drain any excess grease and return the meat mixture to the pan. For this, I recommend using a fine metal strainer.
6. Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
7. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
8. If you'd like, you can warm the buns on a hot griddle or grill with a brush of olive oil or marjarine.
9. Mound the finished meat mixture onto the bottom bun and top it with the other half.
10. Now, savor the deliciousness of your homemade Sloppy Joes! Enjoy!

Author: Jennifer Friesen

Hi, I'm Jiffy! I love to learn and share new things. I hope jiffytalking.com will become a friendly hub for people to share their interests and knowledge.