Homemade Sloppy Joes

By nurseliz

Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon of canola oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 of a medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 stalk of celery, chopped
• 1 large clove of garlic, chopped
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of Tiger Sauce or other hot sauce, or to taste, optional
• 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup of ketchup
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• 6 hamburger buns

Preparation

Step 1

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the trinity (onion, bell pepper & celery) and cook until softened but not brown. Add the ground beef and garlic and cook until ground beef is browned, breaking the meat up with a potato masher. Drain off oil if necessary.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Tiger sauce, tomato sauce, and ketchup. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Add a large pinch of salt and some freshly ground pepper; taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Brush the bun bottoms with the melted butter and in a separate skillet or on a stove top grill, toast the buns. Serve with baby carrots, or a side of ranch style beans, baked beans, waffle fries or potato chips, a side salad and a pickle.

Cook's Note: Try adding in a can of drained Rotel tomatoes for an extra kick!

Pizza Sloppy Joes: Substitute homemade pizza sauce, or a jar of your favorite commercial brand for the tomato sauce and stir in 3 ounces of chopped pepperoni or turkey pepperoni. Spoon meat mixture on bottom buns and place about 1 tablespoon of shredded Mozzarella on each bun. Pass under the broiler to melt cheese and serve immediately.