Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are probably the one and only meal I have ever remembered my father cooking.  They were tasty but probably not made from scratch!  He'd throw in some grated raw potato to cook with the rest of the ingredients and I thought he was a daredevil in the kitchen.  Meanwhile my mother did perform heroic feats of culinary brilliance on a regular basis but I digress...

If you grew up eating Sloppy Joes made from the ground beef and the canned stuff, this is a game changer.  We serve our version open face with some shredded cheddar cheese or as a sandwich with lots of napkins!
Sloppy Joes

2 Tablespoons Butter
2-1/2 pounds Ground Beef (Or Ground Turkey)
1/2 whole Large Onion, Finely Diced
1 whole Large Red Pepper, Finely Diced
5 cloves Garlic, Minced
1-1/2 cup Ketchup
1 cup Water
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons Chili Powder 
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
Worcestershire Sauce, To Taste
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
Dash of Tabasco Or Your Favorite Hot Sauce (optional; To Taste)
1 teaspoon Salt Or To Taste
1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Or  To Taste

Add butter to a large skillet or dutch oven over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until brown. Drain fat. Add onions, red pepper, and garlic. Cook for a few minutes, or until vegetables begin to get soft.

Add ketchup, brown sugar, chili pepper, dry mustard, and water. Stir to combine and simmer for 15 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste. Also add tomato paste, Worcestershire, and Tabasco if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Spread meat mixture over rolls, topping with shredded cheese and make sure to have napkins handy! 
 
Recipe adapted from Pioneer Woman, of course! 

Comments

Kristin said…
Ohmigosh! Don't you just love this recipe!!! I make it all the time, it's the best!