Active Time

　　25 min

　　Total Time

　　35 min

　　These are the Jay Gatsbys of sloppy joes—suave, debonair. But we'd be remiss if we let the black-tie frippery of these cosmopolitan joes belie their true nature: Just as with Fitzgerald's famous hero, there's substance underneath all that class. These civilized sandwiches are hearty, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

　　

Ingredients

4 servings

　　1 (14 1/2-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice, drained

　　1 large onion, chopped

　　4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　1 medium carrot, finely chopped

　　1 celery rib, finely chopped

　　1 1/2 lb ground beef chuck

　　1 tablespoon chili powder

　　1 teaspoon ground cumin

　　1/2 cup dry red wine

　　2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

　　1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

　　4 kaiser rolls, split

　　

Step 1

Purée tomatoes in a blender.

　　

Step 2

Cook onion and garlic in butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Add carrot, celery, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 4 to 5 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Add beef and brown, stirring to break up lumps, 5 to 6 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add puréed tomatoes, wine, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar and boil, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and sandwich inside rolls.