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Sloppy Joes

There's nothing wrong with a sloppy joe!

I'm not talking those freaky mystery meat concoctions of lunch lady lore, but a good, homemade sloppy joe.  My grandma made "Souper Burgers" (I found out they were called this later - we called them "BBQs") based on a Campbell's recipe, and I made those for a long time, but now we're branched out.  Here's a little healthier take on a classic - feel free to share your favorite sloppy joe recipes!  We like to toast brioche buns a little bit, and serve with homemade freezer pickles.

Sloppy Joes


 1 lb. lean ground beef or ground round
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 c. finely chopped [read: hidden from kids] cremini mushrooms
1 can of petite diced tomatoes (you can dice your own if you like)
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. water
1/4 c.cider vinegar
1/4 c.  chili sauce  such as Heinz
1/4 c. ketchup
2 tbsp. yellow mustard (optional)

 8 hamburger buns, toasted if desired

Cook beef over medium heat with onion and mushrooms and cook until beef is completely browned. Drain off some fat if needed - if there's just a little bit left, leave it. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat,  Let it cook, stirring occasionally to avoid burning, until thickened. You can serve on warm buns, or cool completely and freeze. Thaw in fridge, reheat on stove or in slow cooker.
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