Was The Iconic Sloppy Joe Really Invented In Cuba Or Iowa?

No matter what you call them, the Sloppy Joe is a popular sandwich in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. But where was it REALLY invented?

What do you call them? Sloppy Joes, Taverns, bbq beef, Loose Meat, Slush Burger, Manwich, Yum Yum?

When I was growing up we called it a 'Sloppy Joes'.

When we make 'em at our house we brown some ground beef then toss in some Ketchup, Mustard, Chopped Onion, Worcestershire sauce, then salt and pepper to taste. That simple.

The key to a great Sloppy Joe is the bun. My personal favorite is fresh-made Hawaiian Buns. And for some reason, you can't stop with just one.

There are two main theories as to where the Sloppy Joe was invented. Was it Cuba or Iowa?

The Iowa story: The Sloppy Joe was invented in the 1920s at Ye Olde Tavern Inn in Sioux City, Iowa. They were prepared by a cook named Joe who mixed in his loose meat concoction and referred to it as a 'Sloppy Joe',

The Cuba story: The Sloppy Joe was invented in 1917 in a Havana, Cuba bar owner José "Sloppy Joe" who created a simple sandwich filled with ground beef stewed in tomatoes. His bar was reportedly frequented by famous Americans including Errol Flynn and Ernest Hemingway.

Whatever the Sloppy Joe's origin all I know is I sure love 'em!