Homemade Sloppy Joes

All of the delicious flavors that make us think of comfort food are in this recipe. So you must be wondering why sloppy joes should be homemade when you can buy a can of Manwich. 
The first reason is that this recipe makes a much better meal than a can of pre-made sauce. The second reason is that extra time to make this from scratch is minimal. The third reason is you control the ingredients and can sneak some real vegetables into the mix. No one will ever guess. 

1 pound of Lean Ground Beef
2 slices of Bacon, finely chopped
1/2 medium Onion, finely chopped
1 medium Green Bell Pepper, finely chopped
3 ribs of Celery, finely chopped
1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder
6 ounce can of Tomato Paste
1/4 cup of Ketchup
1 Tablespoon of Vinegar
1 Tablespoon of Sugar, more or less to taste
Salt and Pepper
3/4 cup of Water, plus more if needed

In a large skillet, cook bacon over low heat.  When the fat starts to render, add onion, green bell pepper, and celery.  Cook until the onion starts to caramelize.  Add ground beef and garlic. Cook until the beef is done.  Strain the fat off of the meat mixture. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer on low for 30 minutes, adding more water if necessary.  Stir often so that the tomato paste does not scorch. Adjust salt and pepper at the end.  Most of the moisture should evaporate before serving.  Serve on hamburger buns with pickles and homemade fries.  Makes 8 3inch sandwiches. (standard size hamburger buns).

Enjoy!

Deloris

Printable Recipe: https://sites.google.com/site/basilandrosemarys/homemadesloppyjoes