There are some things my mother just never cooked when I was growing up: Meatloaf (I know, right?), Sloppy Joes, boxed anything (including instant potatoes), and anything with rosemary (she hates rosemary). So you can imagine my surprise when I first discovered meatloaf (thank you, Becky). But I’m not here to talk about meatloaf (though I do plan to highlight Becky’s recipe in a later post). I’m here to talk about…drum roll, please…Sloppy Joes!

Now, I know there’s a version out there that involves a Manwich can and a pound of meat. If that’s your jam, then by all means don’t let me stop you. I mean, this coming from a mother of an 11-month old who used to only cook what came in her CSA but actually CONSIDERED buying some frozen baby entree dishes today because the “I’m too tired to boil anything” spirit came over me. I resisted, by the way (or BTDUBS as a Davenport waitress advised me to say from here on out). All of that completely crazy side conversation to say:  I found a homemade version of a Sloppy Joe that is delicious. It’s on Pioneer Woman’s website and you can find the complete article/recipe by clicking here.

Adapted version below:

2 Tablespoons Butter
1-1/2 pounds Ground Beef
1/2 whole Large sweet Onion, Diced
1 teeny small whole Maple Valley Nursery Yellow/Green Bell Pepper, Diced (blech. not a fan of green bell peppers but I use ’em anyway)
2 small Maple Valley Nursery Red Bell Peppers, Diced (love red bell peppers so I use more of these instead of focusing on the green)
1 huge clove Garlic, Minced (thank you, Snow’s Bend)
1 cup Ketchup
1/2 cup Water
1Tablespoon Brown Sugar
1 teaspoons Chili Powder (more To Taste)
1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (more To Taste)
1- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce, To Taste
1 Tablespoons Tomato Paste (optional)
Salt To Taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste

Add butter to a large skillet over medium high heat.

Add ground beef and cook until brown. Drain most of the fat and discard. (I used lean beef and didn’t need to discard any fat)

Add onions, green and red peppers, and garlic. Cook for a few minutes, or until vegetables begin to get soft.

Add ketchup, brown sugar, chili pepper, dry mustard, onion powder and water. Stir to combine and simmer for 15 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste. Also add tomato paste and Worcestershire. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

We will be serving over English Muffins to cut down on the carb action.

Hope you enjoy!