Spicy Sloppy Joes

 This twist on traditional Sloppy Joes gives them a little kick without taking the flavor too far from the original.

Sloppy Joes have been a favorite food of mine since I was a little girl. My mom used to make them when I was a kid. I always love the combination of the bread and tangy tomatoes. Of course it didn’t hurt that they were messy and fun to eat.

In order to kick these Sloppy Joes up a notch I’m adding some heat from the spice cabinet. This recipe features both chili powder and red pepper flakes. See I told you SPICY.

If the chili powder and red pepper flakes don’t bring enough heat for you then you can add hot sauce. It’s all a matter of taste.

Recipe 

What You’ll Need (makes 4 sandwiches)

1 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons of butter

1 large bell pepper

1 small onion or ½ of a large onion

2 cloves of garlic (or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder)

1 tablespoon of brown sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder (you can use less for a milder taste)

1 teaspoon dry mustard

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (again you can use less)

2 cups ketchup

2-3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (or to taste)

A splash of Tabasco or Hot Sauce (optional)

Buns

Putting it all Together

Dice the onion, bell pepper, and garlic cloves then set aside.

In a small bowl mix together dry spices and brown sugar then set aside.

In a large pot or skillet melt butter over medium high heat. 

Brown beef adding diced vegetables halfway through. Add salt and pepper to your taste to skillet. Continue cooking until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
Drain off fat.

Next add in the ketchup, spice and sugar mixture, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer two minutes.
Add a cup of water. Stir until well combined and then simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.

Serve on toasted bread or buns of your choice. 

Happy Cooking Y'all!

Susanne