Sloppy Joes

Recipe from: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/sloppy-joes/

Growing up sloppy joes were a staple in our household so it became a comfort food for me.  I wanted something more than Manwich out of a can so I began looking up recipes which led me to the Pioneer Woman.  This recipe is easy (after the first time making it), makes a lot, and is nice on the wallet.  Make this and you'll NEVER go back to the can again!  ENJOY 

Ingredients: 

• 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
• 1 cup Water
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Chili Powder (more To Taste)
• 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (more To Taste)
• Worcestershire Sauce, To Taste
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste (optional)
• Tabasco Sauce (optional; To Taste)
• Salt To Taste
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste

Assembly: 

Melt the butter in a large skillet, add ground beef and cook until brown. Drain most of the fat. 
Add onions, green pepper, garlic and cook until vegetables begin to soften. 
Add ketchup, brown sugar, chili pepper, dry mustard, and water; simmer for 15 minutes.  Add tomato paste, Worcestershire, and Tabasco and/or red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper (if needed). Cook for another 5 minutes. 

Allow the meat mixture to cool before putting it in a big ziplock bag and lying flat to freeze. 


Serving Day:

Thaw the meat mixture and warm in a skillet (adding water if needed).  Once warm, place a scoop on a toasted bun and serve with your favorite fries.