Sloppy Uncle Joes

Growing up, every time my mom made sloppy joes, my brothers and I would call them “sloppy Uncle Joes,” as Joe is our uncle’s name. These sloppy joes have a more sophisticated taste to them from the rich tomato flavor and toasted bun. The meat and parmesan melt beautifully in your mouth with each bite.

Yields: 4 servings

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

• 1 pound of organic ground beef

• 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt

• 5 grinds of black pepper (⅛ teaspoon)

• ⅔ cup of white onion, diced

• ⅔ cup of red bell pepper, diced

• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard

• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste

• 1 squirt of ketchup

• 2 cups of canned tomato puree

• Potato rolls

• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium to medium-high heat.

• Add the beef to the pan and break apart using a wooden spoon. Cook the beef until brown, around 5 minutes.

• Once all of the beef is browned, drain the meat in a collider to remove the fat from the pan.

• Place the drained beef back into the same pan, turn the heat on low, and add in the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix in and let cook for 2 minutes. 

• Add in the onion, bell pepper, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard, and garlic powder into the pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. You can use this cooking time to break up the meat more, as much as possible.

• Add in the tomato paste, ketchup, and tomato puree. Cook for 10 minutes, over medium-low heat. 

• While waiting for the meat to finish, place a pat of butter onto a separate frying pan. Once melted, immediately place buns, flat side down into the butter. Toast over medium high heat for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly toasted and golden.

• Scoop some meat on a toasted bun, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve!