A New Jersey style sloppy joe is a type of sandwich that originated in the state of New Jersey. It consists of ground beef or other meat simmered in a tomato-based sauce, served warm on a hamburger bun. The New Jersey sloppy joe has some key differences from the more widely known Midwestern sloppy joe sandwich.
What is in a New Jersey style sloppy joe?
The main ingredients in a New Jersey style sloppy joe are:
- Ground beef, pork, turkey, or a blend – typically browned prior to simmering in the sauce
- Tomato sauce or canned tomato puree – this forms the base of the sloppy joe sauce
- Onions – chopped or minced onions are cooked with the meat and add flavor to the sauce
- Green bell peppers – diced or chopped green peppers are another traditional sloppy joe vegetable
- Spices and seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, etc. to add flavor.
- Hamburger buns – the meat sauce is spooned onto bun halves to make the sandwich
The ingredients are combined and simmered into a loose meat sauce or “sloppy” mixture, hence the name “sloppy joe.” The sauce has a sweet, tangy, and tomatoey flavor profile.
Differences from Midwestern Style Sloppy Joes
While both types of sloppy joes contain a seasoned meat sauce on a bun, there are some differences between New Jersey and Midwestern versions:
- The meat – New Jersey sloppy joes typically use pork or a pork/beef blend. Midwestern sloppy joes are usually pure beef.
- The flavor – New Jersey sloppy joes have a tangy, tomato forward taste. Midwestern sloppy joes are sweeter with more visible vegetables.
- The consistency – New Jersey sloppy joe sauce is thinner and more stew-like. Midwestern sauce is thicker and creamy.
- Origins – New Jersey style emerged in the early 20th century. Midwest style dates back to the 1930s.
So in summary, the New Jersey sloppy joe uses pork, has a tomato focus, is more brothy, and has an earlier history than its Midwestern cousin. But both are delicious takes on the classic sandwich!
History of the New Jersey Sloppy Joe
The New Jersey style sloppy joe sandwich traces its origins back to the early 1900s in the northern New Jersey area. Some key milestones include:
- 1910s – Several restaurants in Jersey City and Hoboken begin serving “sloppy joe’s,” including Biederman’s and John’s Lunch.
- 1920s to 1940s – Sloppy joes grow in popularity around northern NJ diners and luncheonettes. The term “sloppy joe” starts appearing in print.
- 1930s – Restaurants like Town Hall Diner advertise their signature sloppy joes, increasing familiarity.
- 1940s to 1950s – National promotion and media appearances bring wider recognition to the New Jersey style sandwich.
- 1960s to now – Sloppy joes remain a staple menu item at NJ diners and are a Garden State icon.
Though the exact creator is unknown, the humble sloppy joe arose as a filling, affordable item to feed New Jersey’s hungry factory workers and families. The Garden State’s large working class population helped popularize this saucy sandwich.
Regional Variations
While tomatoes, onions, and green peppers are staple ingredients, New Jersey sloppy joe recipes do vary from town to town. Here are some regional variations:
North Jersey
North Jersey sloppy joes use more tomato puree for a thinner, stew-like sauce. Onions and green peppers are larger diced. Pork is more common than beef. Vinegar adds tanginess.
Central Jersey
In Central Jersey, the sauce has a thicker, more paste-like consistency from added tomato sauce or paste. Onions and peppers are finely chopped. 50/50 beef and pork blend is typical. More seasoning compared to North Jersey.
South Jersey
South Jersey sloppy joes use whole stewed tomatoes for more texture. Green bell peppers are minimized or left out. Sugar is used to balance acidity. Pure beef is more common than pork.
Jersey Shore
Shore style sloppy joes use higher fat ground beef. Tomatoes and onion are pulsed chunky. Warm spices like paprika and chili powder add flavor. Vinegar level is lower and more sugar is added.
Common Ingredients
| Ingredient | North Jersey | Central Jersey | South Jersey | Jersey Shore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meat | Pork | Beef & Pork | Beef | High-fat beef |
| Tomatoes | Tomato puree | Sauce & paste | Whole & crushed | Chunky crushed |
| Onions | Diced | Finely chopped | Chopped | Chunky |
| Green peppers | Diced | Chopped | Minimized | Used |
| Sweetener | No added sugar | Some sugar | More sugar | Most sugar |
Popular Additions
In addition to the classic ingredients, some popular additions to New Jersey sloppy joes include:
- Pickles – Dill pickle chips or relish provide crunch and cut through the richness.
- Peppers – Jalapenos, Hungarian wax, or banana peppers spice it up.
- Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms lend meaty texture.
- Olives – Sliced black olives add brininess.
- Hot Sauce – Tabasco, Frank’s RedHot, or Cholula lend heat and acid.
These extra ingredients customize the flavor and tailor the sandwich to regional tastes. Some diners let patrons add on desired toppings.
How to Make a New Jersey Sloppy Joe
Here is a basic recipe and instructions for making an authentic New Jersey style sloppy joe at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups tomato sauce or puree
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and green pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
- Serve meat mixture piled high on hamburger buns.
- Add any desired toppings like pickles, hot sauce, etc.
For a more stew-like texture, use tomato puree instead of sauce. Vinegar can also be added for extra tang. Adjust spices to taste.
Where to Find Great New Jersey Sloppy Joes
While you can easily make them at home,nothing beats enjoying a classic New Jersey sloppy joe sandwich from an iconic diner. Here are some top spots around the state to bite into a delicious, saucy sloppy joe:
North Jersey
- Town Hall Diner – South Orange
- Galloping Hill Inn – Union
- Tick Tock Diner – Clifton
- Summit Diner – Summit
- Tops Diner – East Newark
Central Jersey
- Mastoris Diner – Bordentown
- Alexus Steakhouse Tavern & Grille – Denville
- Blue Star Diner – Watchung
- Metro 27 American Bar & Grill – Rahway
- Al’s Diner – Edison
South Jersey
- Swanky Bubbles Lounge – Atlantic City
- Carlucci’s Waterfront – Mount Laurel
- Frank’s Diner – Asbury Park
- Three Little Birds Cafe – McGuire Air Force Base
- Westside Cafe – Toms River
Jersey Shore
- The Station Cafe – Beach Haven
- Wahlburgers – Atlantic City
- Europa South – Long Branch
- Windansea Restaurant & Beach Bar – Sea Bright
- The Committed Pig – Manasquan
Popularity and Acclaim
The New Jersey sloppy joe has developed an iconic status over the past century. In 2014, it was named the state sandwich of New Jersey by a writer at NJ.com.
In 2015, Thrillist published an article praising the virtues of the NJ sloppy joe over the Midwest version. They described it as “unquestionably superior” and lauded the “sticky, sweet, porky deliciousness.”
The sandwich regularly makes appearances on TV food shows. In a 2012 episode of Food Paradise on the Travel Channel, the New Jersey sloppy joe was spotlighted, with one connoisseur quoted as saying “There is nothing sloppy about this joe!”
On the Cooking Channel program Food(ography) in 2016, the sandwich was described as a “Garden State staple” and a “Jersey diner classic.”
In 2018, the NJ sloppy joe was included in The Daily Meal’s list of “America’s 35 Best Regional Sandwiches.” As a deeply cherished local specialty, the New Jersey sloppy joe has certainly earned national recognition.
Cultural Significance
Within New Jersey, the sloppy joe sandwich holds a special cultural meaning. For a state known for its diners, the sloppy joe is a singular icon.
The sandwich is nostalgically associated with family meals at the local diner. It evokes cherished memories of fun weekends and special occasions spent grabbing a booth, ordering a sloppy joe with fries and a shake, and bonding over timeless diner fare.
The sloppy joe embodies the casual, no-fuss spirit of New Jersey culture. It’s the kind of honest, simple food that fortifies everyone from school kids to blue collar workers. The sandwich is a hearty symbol of home.
For many, the New Jersey sloppy joe elicits immense state pride. Its perpetual place on NJ diner menus pays tribute to the state’s humble roots and food traditions. The sloppy joe allows New Jerseyans everywhere to feel connected to their hometown culture.
Nutrition
One New Jersey sloppy joe sandwich contains approximately:
- Calories: 330
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 19g
Nutrition will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. The tomato sauce provides vitamin C and lycopene. Using lean meat, whole grain buns, and limiting sugar are ways to make the sandwich healthier. Overall, the New Jersey sloppy joe, enjoyed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
With its thinly-sauced meat mixture on a hamburger bun, the New Jersey sloppy joe sandwich is an icon of Garden State culture. Its tangy, tomato-laced flavor profile distinguishes it from other regional sloppy joe styles. Deeply connected to the state’s diners and working class roots, the humble yet filling sloppy joe continues to be a cherished staple that evokes pride and nostalgia. This saucy sandwich deserves its place in New Jersey’s culinary hall of fame.