Sloppy Joes = so ugly, and frankly, I think they are disgusting; whenever I hear the name, I immediately think of the lunch lady on Billy Madison. This recipe instantly changed my mind about them. I made a few modifications for a healthier, sneak-veggies-in version, so refer to my notes for my adapted version. Yum.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion, finely diced (frozen diced for ease)
- 1 red bell pepper (I used half of a red pepper and added one large chopped carrot.)
- 1½ teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (we use 80% lean) (Try turkey for a healthier version.)
- 2½ Tablespoons dark or light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
- one heaping handful of spinach, chopped
- buns for serving
Directions:
- Heat a dutch oven over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, quickly add the onion and stir occasionally until translucent. Add the peppers, (carrots), and garlic and stir occasionally for 1 minute then add the ground beef (or turkey) and break it up with a wooden spoon, stirring it all together. Allow to cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, Liquid Smoke, chili powder, and paprika. Stir for 30 seconds and then add the ketchup and vinegar. Allow to cook for 5 minutes, season to taste, and serve or cook up to 1 hour on low and then serve. The longer it cooks the better the flavor. (With about two minutes left on the clock, I added my chopped spinach, giving it just enough time to wilt.)
- Scoop onto buns that have been brushed with butter. (I didn't brush buns.)
(This recipe serves 4-6.)
*www.ohsweetbasil.com