Sloppy Joes - a new favorite

Sloppy Joes

Servings: 4-6 Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cups diced onions
1/2 cup diced celery (small dice)
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (small dice)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons minced garlic
11/2 pounds lean ground beef (about 91% lean)
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup beef or chicken stock or canned, low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
4 to 6 hamburger buns

Directions

Heat the 2 teaspoons olive oil in a 12-inch sauté pan over
medium-high heat. Add the onions, celery, bell pepper, black
pepper, and salt, and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 2
minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Add the beef,
breaking it up with the back of a spoon, and brown for 2 minutes.
Then add the brown sugar, Worcestershire, tomato sauce, and beef
broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook
for 15 minutes, stirring as needed.

Add the hot sauce if desired, and remove from the heat. While the

mixture is cooking, preheat the broiler. Arrange the buns, open-faced,

on a baking sheet and lightly brush the cut sides with the remaining

2 tablespoons olive oil. Broil until the buns are golden, about 3 minutes.

Alternatively, grill them in a grill pan or toast them in a skillet,

oiled side down, over medium-high heat.)

Generously spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture over the toasted bun
bottoms. Top with the bun tops, and serve immediately (with
forks).

4 to 6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total: 30 minutes

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, Emeril 20-40-60, Fresh Food Fast

Note: you may also use red, orange or yellow pepper;

be sure to use very lean beef; freezes well; if the finished

product is too soupy, cook on medium high a bit longer to thicken