Hilda Gerbrandt shares her favorite comfort food: Sloppy Joes

For Hilda Gerbrandt of Winkler, comfort food is about more than just taste; it’s about the memories it brings back. “The first time I had Sloppy Joes was at my friend’s birthday party,” Gerbrandt reminisced. “Growing up with traditional Mennonite dishes like potatoes and schmauntfat, my taste buds had never experienced anything like it.” That first bite was transformative. “It was so good. I skipped the games at the party just to wait for a second helping!”

A modern twist on a classic

Sloppy Joes remain Gerbrandt’s go-to comfort food, but her recipe has evolved over the years. Inspired by local food blogger Ashley Fehr’s version on The Recipe Rebel website, Gerbrandt has made it her own. “Ashley’s recipe uses a slow cooker, but I’ve adapted it for the stovetop,” she explained. Her version incorporates healthier ingredients like shredded carrots or zucchini and red split lentils, adding a hearty twist while sneaking in vegetables.

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Flavor built for everyone

One of the beauties of Sloppy Joes, Gerbrandt notes, is how customizable they are. “The BBQ sauce can completely change the flavor—garlic, smoky, bold, spicy, whatever you like,” she said. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, she recommends a touch of Brazilian BBQ seasoning. But as Gerbrandt added with a laugh, “I still have a Mennonite tongue, so I can’t handle too much spice!”

More than just a meal

For Gerbrandt, Sloppy Joes are more than a recipe; they’re a reminder of the joy food can bring. “It’s not complicated, and it brings back so many good memories,” she shared. Whether it’s the nostalgia of childhood or the simple pleasure of a warm, hearty meal, Sloppy Joes are a true comfort food classic.

Want to try it yourself?

Gerbrandt brought a written copy of her recipe, combined with Ashley Fehr's "Recipe Rebel" version:
 

(Slow Cooker or Not) Beef & Lentil BBQ Sloppy Joes   

Recipe Rebel - Ashley Fehr (Southern MB)

1. Brown:

   • 1 lb ground beef
   • 1 medium chopped onion
   • 1 large shredded carrot

2. Strain extra liquid off meat mixture.

3. Cook:

   • ¾ cup red split lentils (according to directions)

4. Mix in (to meat mixture):

   • 1 cup ketchup
   • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
   • 1 tsp salt
   • ½ tsp pepper (My addition)
   • 4 tbsp vinegar
   • ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
   • 1 tsp minced garlic (or powdered, if needed)
   • 1-2 pinches red pepper flakes (optional)
     • Hilda's note: I used Brazilian BBQ seasoning.

5. Stir in cooked lentils.

6. Simmer for at least 10 minutes.

For Slow Cooker Version:

• After the ground beef is cooked with onion, add remaining ingredients into a 6 qt slow cooker, along with:

  • 1 ½ cups water or soup broth of choice
  • ¾ cup uncooked lentils

• Stir all together and cook on low for 8 hours.