Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches: The Ultimate Tailgating Recipe Featuring Nebraska’s Iconic Dorothy Lynch Dressing
Step aside, classic Sloppy Joes! There’s a new, irresistibly flavorful sandwich in town that’s poised to become your new favorite. These incredible Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches are crafted with the beloved Dorothy Lynch Dressing, offering a unique sweet and tangy kick that will have you licking your fingers in pure satisfaction. Get ready to elevate your sandwich game to legendary status!

As the crisp autumn air settles in, tailgating season bursts to life across the country, and here in Nebraska, it’s nothing short of a celebrated tradition. Fans everywhere are meticulously dusting off their tailgating essentials, meticulously planning menus, and gearing up for another exciting season of college football. For us loyal Nebraskans, this ritual is particularly special, especially with our beloved Huskers poised for an electrifying year. The return of football great and fan-favorite, Scott Frost, to coach our team has ignited an unparalleled level of excitement and unwavering support across the Cornhusker State. This isn’t just about football; it’s about community, pride, and, of course, sharing delicious food with friends and family.
If you fall in love with these Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches, you’ll surely want to explore more recipes featuring this amazing dressing. Be sure to check out these other fantastic creations: Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops, Dorothy’s Hot Taco Dip, and my recipe for Dorothy’s Potato Salad!

This recipe is proudly sponsored by Dorothy Lynch Dressing. All opinions expressed and my genuine love for their Nebraska-Made Home Style dressing are entirely my own. It’s a product I’ve cherished my entire life, and I’m thrilled to share a recipe that truly highlights its unique flavor.

There is No Place Like Nebraska: A State United by Football and Flavor
Having called Nebraska home my entire life, I can confidently say that this is a football state, through and through. Our passion for the Cornhuskers runs deep, influencing everything from local conversations to weekend plans. But our pride in Nebraska extends far beyond the gridiron. It’s woven into the fabric of our communities, our unwavering support for local farmers, and our appreciation for the exceptional products crafted right here in our state. Among these cherished local staples, one stands out as a true culinary icon: Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing. It’s more than just a dressing; it’s a taste of home, a symbol of Nebraska’s homegrown goodness.

Nebraska’s Own Dorothy Lynch: A Story of Homemade Success
Dorothy Lynch Dressing boasts a rich and humble beginning, dating back to the 1940s at the Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. It was there that Dorothy herself created her now-famous homemade dressing for the restaurant, and it wasn’t long before patrons were utterly captivated by its unique flavor. Word quickly spread, and people would even bring their own bottles to be filled with this delicious, coveted dressing. What started as a local secret quickly blossomed into a regional sensation. Today, the renowned dressing is produced in a sprawling 64,000-square-foot facility in Duncan, Nebraska, a town with a population of just 351, embodying the spirit of local craftsmanship. Available in both Home Style and Fat-Free varieties, Dorothy Lynch is also celebrated for its commitment to quality, containing no MSG, cholesterol, or trans fats, and is proudly gluten-free. It’s a testament to how authentic, homemade flavors can capture the hearts (and taste buds) of many, spreading joy one bottle at a time.

What Does Dorothy Lynch Dressing Taste Like? Unpacking its Unique Flavor Profile
Due to its distinctive reddish-orange hue, many people initially mistake Dorothy Lynch for a French dressing. However, its flavor profile tells a completely different, and far more exciting, story. Unlike most French dressings, which are oil-based, Dorothy Lynch is crafted with a vibrant tomato base. This gives it a rich, thick, and creamy texture that instantly sets it apart. The true magic lies in its sweet and spicy flavor balance—a harmonious blend that appeals to nearly everyone, from kids to adults. It possesses an undeniable “homemade” taste, a comforting familiarity that truly tastes like home. But its versatility is what truly makes it a kitchen superhero. While it shines brightly as a salad dressing, its applications extend far beyond. My husband, for instance, absolutely loves dipping fried chicken in it! It also makes an excellent marinade for meats, a surprising yet delicious topping for pizza, and an all-around fantastic complement to everything from fresh veggies to barbecue dishes. Its unique sweet and savory tomato flavor makes it a natural and inspired addition to classic recipes, especially for a hearty sandwich filling like our Sloppy Dorothy. It naturally enhances the traditional “Sloppy Joe” concept, taking it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Why Sloppy Dorothys Are the Perfect Tailgating and Party Food
Sloppy Dorothys are more than just a meal; they’re the quintessential tailgating food. Their hearty and flavorful nature makes them ideal for feeding a crowd, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this irresistible goodness. One of their greatest advantages is how easily they can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm. Simply simmer the mixture in a crock pot, and you’ve got a hot, ready-to-serve meal that stays delicious throughout the game. For an outdoor tailgating setup, you can even place the crock pot directly on your grill to maintain its warmth. Serve them up generously on soft hamburger buns, topped with slices of American cheese for extra creaminess, and crisp dill pickles for a refreshing crunch. And here’s a pro tip: don’t forget the potato chips! They’re not just a side; they make excellent “scoops” for any delicious meat that might spill off your plate. Oh… and one more essential: plenty of napkins. You’ll definitely need those to combat the delightful mess that comes with pure satisfaction!

Unpacking the Delicious Ingredients in a Sloppy Dorothy Sandwich
The secret to a truly outstanding Sloppy Dorothy Sandwich lies in its carefully selected fresh ingredients, combined with the unique zest of Dorothy Lynch Dressing. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this mouthwatering filling:
- Ground Beef: I always opt for lean ground beef to keep the sandwich from being overly greasy, ensuring a rich, meaty base that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
- Minced Garlic Cloves: Whether you prefer fresh or jarred, garlic provides an essential aromatic depth that complements the savory beef and sweet dressing perfectly.
- Onion: A sweet yellow onion is my go-to choice, adding a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the mixture as it caramelizes while cooking.
- Key Spices: A blend of mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper works together to create a balanced, savory profile that truly enhances the beef and ties all the flavors together.
- Tomato Paste and Water: One can of each forms a robust, concentrated tomato base that adds body and a rich, slightly acidic note to the sauce.
- Honey: I love using local raw honey for its natural sweetness, which beautifully balances the tanginess of the dressing and the savory components. Any honey will work wonderfully to achieve this.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce is crucial for adding a layer of umami and a complex, savory depth that elevates the entire flavor profile of these sandwiches.
- Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing: This is the star ingredient! It’s what truly brings the “Dorothy” to the Sloppy Dorothy, infusing the mixture with its signature sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy homemade flavor.
Once the rich, flavorful meat mixture is prepared, serve these Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches on soft, pillowy hamburger-style buns, ideally with slices of American cheese melting slightly over the warm filling and a few crisp dill pickles for contrast. Pure comfort food perfection!

Everyone is sure to love a Sloppy Dorothy, don’t you agree? Just look at that homemade goodness, ready to be devoured.
Love it? Pin it!! Save this Recipe for Later!
Don’t forget where you found this ORIGINAL and absolutely delicious recipe for Dorothy Lynch Sandwiches! Make sure to save this incredible recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes or tailgating season calls!

Sloppy Dorothy Sliders: Perfect for Parties!
Looking to make that delicious Sloppy Dorothy goodness go a little further, or perhaps serve a smaller, more party-friendly portion? This original recipe is absolutely perfect when served on slider buns! Sloppy Dorothy Sliders are an ideal choice for tailgating events, casual parties, or any gathering where you want to offer a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-eat option. They pack all the amazing flavor of the full-sized sandwich into a bite-sized package!

Same incredible taste – just a smaller, more convenient bun!

Dorothy Lynch has been a proud and longstanding supporter of Husker athletics, embodying the spirit of Nebraska in more ways than one. It was a true honor and a personal highlight for me to develop a recipe featuring a company and a product that I have known, respected, and loved throughout my entire life. This partnership feels like a natural extension of our shared Nebraska heritage.
Where Can I Get My Hands on Dorothy Lynch Dressing?
Ready to experience the magic of Dorothy Lynch for yourself? You’ll be pleased to know that Dorothy Lynch Dressing is readily available at most major grocery stores throughout Nebraska, making it a true local staple. Its popularity has also spread, and you can find it at select grocery stores nationwide, including major retailers like Walmart and HyVee. If you’re having trouble locating it in your local store or simply prefer the convenience of online shopping, you can easily stock your pantry with Dorothy Lynch by visiting Buy Nebraska or by heading over to Amazon! Getting your hands on this iconic dressing has never been easier.
Stay connected and discover even more delicious ways to use this versatile dressing by following Dorothy Lynch on their official website, their vibrant Facebook page, and their engaging Twitter accounts. You’ll find a constant stream of recipes and inspiration all year long!
More Irresistible Recipes that Feature Nebraska’s Own Dorothy Lynch Dressing
Once you taste the unique flavor of Dorothy Lynch Dressing in these Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches, you’ll want to explore its incredible versatility. Here are even more recipes that truly make Dorothy proud, showcasing how this dressing can transform everyday dishes into something extraordinary:
- Dorothy’s Holiday Cheese Ball: A festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering.
- Dorothy’s Cranberry Meatballs: A sweet and savory twist on classic party meatballs.
- BBQ Little Smokies with Dorothy Lynch: An easy, delicious appetizer that’s always a hit.
- Taco Salads with Dorothy Lynch Taco Sauce: Elevate your taco night with this flavorful dressing.
- Dorothy’s Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread (pictured above): A comforting, cheesy, and utterly irresistible bread perfect for sharing.
See ALL of my Tailgating Recipes Here for more game-day inspiration!

Here’s to enjoying the beautiful fall season, cheering on our favorite football teams, and indulging in truly delicious, homemade food that brings everyone together! Enjoy your Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches!

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Print Recipe
The Original Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Chopper
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Pack of 2 Silicone Solid Turner,Non Stick Slotted Kitchen Spatulas
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Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
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AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
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Dorothy Lynch Home Style Salad Dressing
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Buy Dorothy Lynch
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon dried onion or ¼ cup fresh
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste + 1 can water
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- ½ cup Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- For Serving: 6-8 hamburger buns
- dill pickle slices and American cheese slices optional
Instructions
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Combine ground beef, minced garlic, dried (or fresh) onion, salt, and black pepper in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet. Brown the meat thoroughly over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
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To the browned meat, add the onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, tomato paste, water, honey, Dorothy Lynch Dressing, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them fully, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven, and let the mixture simmer gently for 30 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This simmering time is key to developing the deep, complex taste.
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Serve the hot Sloppy Dorothy filling generously on soft hamburger buns. For an extra treat, add slices of American cheese (allowing them to melt slightly) and crisp dill pickles. And remember, a side of crunchy potato chips is an absolute must – they make the perfect edible scoop for any delicious overflow!
Notes
Nutrition


