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Sloppy Joes

1TBS olive or canola oil
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped (optional, I do not use)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cloves garli, crushed (I mince)
1 and 1/2lb lean ground beef, turkey or chicken
1 28oz can stewed tomatoes, diced
1/2C ketchup or half ketchup half bbq sauce (I do the mix)
2TBS cider vinegar
1TBS brown sugar
1TBS Worcestershire sauce
Few shots tabasco (I add this at the table)
salt and pepper
soft buns

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and saute onion, celery, and red pepper until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute for about 20 seconds. Add meat and brown, breaking it up as you cook, for about 10 minutes or until no longer pink.

Add tomatoes, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, tabasco, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Split buns in half and spoon mixture on top. Serve. Make enough for 6.

This is a nice simple recipe that kids love. I find that after cooking for 30 minutes taking it off the heat and letting it sit for about 10 minutes is the best way to thicken. I like the addition of bbq sauce, better flavor and I use ground beef. Generally I serve it with steamed veggies. Our favorite are cauliflower, broccoli and carrots.

This recipe is from a book called Starting Out by Julie Van Rosendaal. Not only is it fun to look at the recipes are great whether you are a new cook or have been cooking for a long time. Nice simple recipes for busy days.