School Days Sloppy Joes

This recipe hails back to my private school days.  We had minuscule class sizes, wore hideous brown plaid uniforms, and did our best to drive our teachers to distraction.  I think my whole grade averaged 10 students most years.  And we retired countless teachers along the way!

We enjoyed hot lunch once a week, with three rotating menus: hot dogs, ham & cheese, and barbecues (a.k.a. Sloppy Joes) - which were everybody's favorite!  I clearly remember the tangy smell wafting down the hallways, beguiling my attention away from arithmetic.

My rendition calls for a little less sugar and a little more oatmeal than the original.  My family loves School Days Sloppy Joes - and this recipe puts Manwich to shame!  It makes a large quantity, perfect for serving 10 to 12 hungry folks.  You can cut it in half for a family of four to six.  For the best flavor, combine the ingredients the night before, setting your crock pot in the fridge overnight to let the flavors blend.

School Days Sloppy Joes

 an original rendition by Kelly Jo Vanderstelt

1.  Combine in slow cooker:

• 3 lbs. Ground Beef, already browned and drained of grease
• 3 Cups of Ketchup
• 1 1/2 Cups Oatmeal (old fashioned oats)
• 1/2 Cup Vinegar
• 1 large Onion, diced
• 4 Tbs. Brown Sugar
• 3 Tbs. Yellow Mustard (prepared)

2.  Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours.  Serve on hamburger buns.

Fills 10 to 12 buns, great for a crowd!