Gizmos

This year, I was clued in to a sandwich at the MN state fair called the Gizmo. It's basically a sloppy joe type sandwich with Italian sausage and ground beef, topped with melted cheese. Local chef and Travel Channel TV host Andrew Zimmern claims it's the best thing at the fair. While I really enjoyed it, I'm not completely sure I agree. I'm really more of a roasted corn and pronto pup type of girl. But, I liked it enough to try to re-create an even better version at home.

Surprisingly, I found several recipes online, which I tweaked to my tastes, and ended up with one very delicious sandwich.


Gizmo Sandwich
From the MN State Fair
Serves 4
Prep Time - 10 minutes
Cook Time - 15-20 min

INGREDIENTS
1 TBSP or so Olive Oil
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage (I used turkey sausage)
1 small onion, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
2-3 cloves garlic
2-ish cups marinara sauce
hoagie buns
Italian cheese (I used mozzarella)

DIRECTIONS
Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat in a big saute pan. Season with salt & pepper, to taste. When the meat is about 1/2 done, make a little well in the middle and add the onion, garlic, and green pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the veggies are soft. This should be about 10 minutes or so.

Drain any excess fat and bring back to the pan and add the marinara sauce. I'd do about 2 cups, but feel free to add more or less depending on how saucy you want it.

Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. If yours has a high and a low setting, set it to low.

Split your hoagie buns in half, but not all the way through, so that the buns stand up on their sides. Fill with the meat/sauce filling and top with cheese.

Put under the broiler for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Sloppy Joes, my way

Growing up, my mom didn't really cook. She made a few things every once in a while, but basically, my dad did the cooking. This recipe was one my mom did make, and frequently. I'm not sure where she got the recipe, but I love it. It's great for a quick meal, and the leftovers work great for next-day lunches. I've never really liked tomato-y sloppy joes, and I'm pretty sure growing up with this recipe was at least a little responsible. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Gumbo Burgers

Recipe from my mom
*Serves 4-6*
Prep Time – 5 min
Cook Time – 15 min

INGREDIENTS:
1 - 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (ground turkey or chicken work well too)
1 small onion, chopped or minced
½ cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
1 can chicken gumbo soup

DIRECTIONS:
Brown the ground beef with onion, salt, & pepper. Drain off any excess fat.

Add remaining ingredients; mix together. Simmer for about 10 min. Spoon onto hamburger buns. Serve with chips.