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sloppy joe, cole slaw

Homemade Sloppy Joe's

These have become a family favorite around here. I ditched the canned stuff many years ago and started making my own homemade sloppy joe's. You will need to double the batch so you can have leftovers!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. Cooked Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion, chopped (optional)
  • 1 Green Pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 4 Minced Garlic Cloves
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 cup Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp. Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tbsp. Chili Powder (heaping)
  • 2 tbsp. Coconut Sugar
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • 1-2 tbsp. Tomato Paste (as needed)

Instructions
 

  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet along with the garlic. If using the onion/pepper, add these as well. Cook until done.
  • Meanwhile, combine the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper and water. Whisk it all together.
  • Pour the ketchup mixture into the browned beef and stir it all together.
  • Add the tomato paste and stir.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Serve on buns and top with cole slaw. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Onions and peppers add extra flavor to sloppy joe's. These are totally optional.
  • I use coconut sugar but feel free to use the sweetener of your choice.
  • Add more of the water or the tomato paste. You want the mixture to be thick, but not too thick. You also don't want it to be too runny.
  • If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce.