While shopping, I came across something different on our grocer’s shelf: Del Monte Sloppy Joe Sauce. The label touts it “Tastes better than Manwich original flavor!” Usually I prepare my own version of the messy meal. In a pinch, I have made Hunt’s Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce on many occasions. I decided to try Del Monte Sloppy Joe Sauce to see if what the label says is true.
My first remark about Del Monte Sloppy Joe Sauce must be about the price. Del Monte Sloppy Joe Sauce is much cheaper than Manwich Original by about .30 cents. In today’s economy that is awesome. I love to save money.
Reading the labels I found the ¼ cup serving size calorie count was better for Manwich than Del Monte. Manwich has 30 calories and Del Monte 50. Both have 0 fat. What you are saving at the register is almost made up for in calories. I guess I will have to add an extra set or two to my workouts.
Another difference between Del Monte and Manwich is in the can. Del Monte has a pull top lid. This saves you the trouble of pulling out the can opener.
The cooking instructions are virtually the same for both brands. Brown your meat, drain, add the sauce, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
When I prepared the Del Monte Sloppy Joe, I found the texture to be thicker and redder than the Manwich brand. I thought the thickness would be good for reducing slop. I was actually wrong about that, slop is slop when it comes to the sloppy Joe.
I served up the sloppy Joe meal, not mentioning that I had substituted the Del Monte brand for Manwich. The clan exclaimed, “Oh boy! Manwiches!” They began to devour their sandwiches. I watched them and my husband was the first to mention that they were really good. He asked if I had added something to the mix or made my own version differently.
I have to say the Del Monte Sloppy Joe Sauce is richer than Manwich. There is more tomato taste to it. Well, it is Del Monte after all. Manwich has a more bell pepper taste to it. This makes Hunt’s Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce a bit tangier.
Texture is another big difference. The Del Monte sauce is thicker than Manwich sauce. As I mentioned, I thought that would make the sandwiches a little cleaner, I was wrong.
I would have to agree with Del Monte’s claim that they are better than Manwich. The price is the greatest difference. The taste difference would have to be whether you like tomato better than bell pepper. This family of 4 gives Del Monte Sloppy Joe Sauce 4 thumbs up.
When I do not feel like making my homemade sloppy Joe, I will definitely pick up Del Monte Sloppy Joe Sauce again.
My Home Cooked Sloppy Joe Recipe:
1 pound lean ground beef
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
¼ cup chopped white onion
1 clove garlic crushed
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Ground black pepper
2 heaping tablespoons of Mesquite flavored BBQ sauce
1 small can of tomato paste
1 can of mild Rotel (diced tomato and chili)
Brown ground beef, bell pepper, chopped onion, and garlic in a large fry pan. Drain any grease and return to heat. Add 2-3 dashes of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. I like to use Lawry’s because it contains no MSG. You can use any desired seasoning salt. Add 2-3 dashes of ground black pepper and stir the meat to coat it well.
Stir in the tomato paste and BBQ sauce. Add the Rotel by spoon reserving the juice in the can. Test your sauce texture. If the texture is too thick add some juice by spoonful to thin. I usually do not have to add any juice. I like the thicker texture.
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stir occasionally. Reduce heat to warm and let sit for an additional 5 minutes. Prepare your buns with your favorite sliced onions or pickles, slap on the sloppy Joe mix, and serve with your favorite side dish.
My home cooked version is more expensive to prepare than the Hunt’s Manwich or Del Monte Sloppy Joe. The flavor is a little spicier because of the Rotel. It also takes a little more time and effort to prepare. But it makes a nice alternative to canned sloppy Joe sauce.
