Sloppy Joes

 

• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 2-1/2 pounds Ground Beef
• 1/2 whole Large Onion, Diced
• 1 whole Large Green Bell Pepper, Diced
• 5 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1-1/2 cup Ketchup (or a can of Tomato Sauce)
• 1 cup Water
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar (or White Sugar - Honey works too)
• 2 teaspoons Chili Powder (more to Taste)
• 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard (or Prepared Yellow Mustard)
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (more To Taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (to Taste, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (to Taste, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin (to Taste, optional)
• Worcestershire Sauce (to Taste)
• Cayenne Pepper (to Taste, optional)
• Finely Chopped Jalapenos or Tabasco Peppers (to Taste, optional)
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste (optional)
• Tabasco Sauce (optional; to Taste)
• Salt (to Taste)
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to Taste)
• Chopped Scallions (Green Onions), (optional)
• Kaiser Rolls (or other Buns)
• Butter

 *I added some Basil, Oregano and Parsley to the pot.

 

Add butter to a large skillet or dutch oven over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until brown. Drain most of the fat and discard.

Add onions, green 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. Optional: stir in some chopped Scallions (Green Onions) before serving it up.

Spread rolls with butter and brown on a griddle or skillet. Spoon meat mixture over the rolls, topping with a slice of cheese if it makes your skirt fly up. Serve hot with kettle cooked chips!

Source: The Pioneer Woman