Homemade Sloppy Joes on Toasted Buns

Ingredients

2  lbs extra lean ground meat

1  medium onion, chopped

2  teaspoons minced garlic

1  small green bell pepper, chopped

2  cups ketchup

1  cup barbecue sauce

1/4  cup Imperial brown sugar, packed

1/4  cup cider vinegar

2  tablespoons prepared mustard

1  teaspoon Italian seasoning

1  teaspoon onion powder

1/2  teaspoon black pepper

10  hamburger buns

butter or mayo for buns

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook meat, onions, minced garlic and bell pepper until meat is no longer pink. Drain any grease off or use paper towels to soak up excess grease. Stir in ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Italian seasoning, onion powder and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.

Use another skillet or grill pan; heat till pan is hot. Split the buns and spread either soft butter or mayo on each side of the bun. Toast the buns till your desired brownness. Spread sloppy joe on one side of the bun and top with the other bun.

Tip

You can freeze leftovers in a container and use later. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat up in a saucepan.