Name: Sophisticated Sloppy Joes
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice, drained; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium carrot, finely chopped; 1 celery rib, finely chopped; 1 1/2 lb ground beef chuck; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 cup dry red wine; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 4 kaiser rolls, split

Side view of loose meat sandwich with sauce dripping down sides. Pint of beer in background.

Photo by Romulo Yanes

These are the Jay Gatsbys of sloppy joes—suave, debonair. But we'd be remiss if we let the black-tie frippery of these cosmopolitan joes belie their true nature: Just as with Fitzgerald's famous hero, there's substance underneath all that class. These civilized sandwiches are hearty, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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