Sloppy Joes

About four months ago my friend, Margie, posted a recipe for Sloppy Joes on her blog More Please. I told Margie at that time that I would be making her recipe and it has taken this long for me to do it. And I am so glad I did. I was making this for my husband but I wound up enjoying the sandwiches much more than I thought I would--they were delicious!

I made teenie-tiny changes to Margie's recipe. Also, Margie likes to make her own buns, and I would too, except it is TOO hot in my kitchen to bake right now, so I let the local bakery make them for me. Margie has a very delicious blog, so please do check it out.

Sloppy Joes
2 lbs. ground sirloin
1 Tbsp. bacon fat, or olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Pinch or two of dried red pepper flakes
1 (29 oz) can tomato puree
1/2 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp. Worchestershire sauce

I used a cast iron skillet to brown the ground sirloin, until completely cooked. Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef from the pan onto a paper towel lined plate, and discard any drippings remaining in the pan.

Add about a tablespoonful of bacon fat, if you have it, or if not, olive oil to the same pan. Saute the onions over medium heat until tender. Add garlic and stir for a couple minutes more. Stir in the brown sugar, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Stir in the tomato puree, ketchup, and Worchestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until reduced to desired consistency.

Serve on buns and enjoy!