Being named Joseph and going by Joe or Joey when I was younger, I had a natural dispute with sloppy joes, taking the name as a personal affront to my state of cleanliness. After finally eating one after years of refusal, I realized I had been missing a staple in the food world.

This recipe from NYT Cooking is very straightforward, but patience is key when waiting for the sauce to thicken after about 45 minutes of simmering. This recipe is served very well with French fries and is perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 2 3/4 cups tomato puree
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
• 1 teaspoon pureed canned chipotle in adobo
• 1 bay leaf
• 12 Kaiser rolls or hamburger buns
• 12 slices cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions 

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm oil and sauté onions until translucent (5 to 6 minutes).
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, and sauté until well browned (15 to 20 minutes).
3. Add tomato paste, tomato puree, chili powder, Tabasco, chipotle and bay leaf. Stir until blended. Raise heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer mixture, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to spread on a sandwich, about 45 minutes.
4. To serve, heat a broiler. Slice the rolls open and place them under the broiler until lightly toasted, turning, as necessary. Ladle about 1/2 cup onto the bottom of each roll and top with cheddar cheese to taste. Return bottom halves to the broiler until cheese just melts. Top with the remaining halves and serve immediately.