A 50-year-old lunchroom recipe likely evokes nostalgia and comfort, featuring classic dishes that were popular in school cafeterias in the 1970s. Here’s a recipe for a classic school lunch dish: **Sloppy Joes**. These were a staple in many lunchrooms and are still loved today.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
– Cook the ground beef in a big skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add Vegetables:
– Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet.Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Sauce Ingredients:
– Stir in the ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Simmer:
– Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Serve:
– Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the hamburger buns and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
– Serve with a side of classic potato chips or French fries.
– Add a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
– For a touch of nostalgia, pair with a carton of milk or a fruit cup.
This recipe brings back the flavors of a bygone era and is sure to be a hit with anyone who grew up eating these in the school lunchroom!
