Avoiding Dirty Dishes?

Today is National No Dirty Dishes Day. The point of the day is to take a day off from the chore of washing dishes. I’m not sure if this is a day for lazy people or as a way of conserving water.

Now if it’s about conserving water, then there are only two ways to accomplish No Dirty Dishes. The first is to fast for 24 hours. If you order out, someone somewhere is washing dishes. It might not be you, but dishes are washed. The second way would be to cook the day before and store the food in disposable containers. Warm everything in the microwave, eat with plastic utensils and drink from cans or disposable cups. Yeah, that would work.

Or you could cook something that doesn’t make a huge mess, and leave the dishes until tomorrow. That’s got my vote. Although if we are being completely honest, neither Hubby or I can sleep knowing there are dirty dishes in the sink. The only time we can leave something in the sink is when it needs a good, long soak. Kiddo is another story. He could leave things in the sink until they become science experiments growing all fuzzy. Yeah, not pretty.

When I read this recipe for the first time it had me curious – Sloppy Joes made with Tomato Bisque Soup – really? Yes, really. Now I did take certain liberties with the original recipe. I’ve added diced bell peppers and switched barbecue sauce for the ketchup call for. Even if you aren’t a fan of Sloppy Joes (which I’m not) this is surprisingly tasty. And the dishes are at a minimal. Enjoy!

Cowboy Style Sloppy Joes
1/2 Yellow Onion
1/2 Orange Bell Pepper
1-1/2 lbs Ground Beef
1 (10 oz) can Tomato Bisque Soup
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
2 tablespoons Barbecue Sauce
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
6 Hamburger Buns
6 tablespoons Butter
6 slices American Cheese

Peel and dice onions, set aside. Stem, seed and dice bell pepper, set aside.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onions and peppers. Cook, breaking up the meat as it browns, until cooked through. Drain and return to skillet.

Add soup, mustard and barbecue sauce. Stir to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While the meat mixture simmers, split hamburger buns. Lightly butter buns. Place under the broiler to toast or grill on a flat griddle pan.

To serve, scoop meat mixture onto the buns with a slotted spoon to allow any excess liquid to drip back into the skillet. If desired, top with a slice of cheese.

Great with a side of crispy Tater-Tots. Serve with plenty of napkins.