Sloppy Joes are a Sumptuous Summertime Delicacy

Hot dogs, hamburgers and sloppy joes, they all make me think of summer. And while the store-bought-from-a-can sloppy joe is perfectly fine, this recipe is worth the extra time.

Not only does it taste better, but the depth of flavors that come from the red peppers and onions, not to mention the homemade sauce itself, is delicious, and something you can’t get from a can.

If you’re planning on making something a little different for you’re next holiday picnic, make this ahead of time, and stick it in a slow cooker set to warm while you grill up your hot dogs and hamburgers.

Or, prepare it the night before, and while you prepare the meal the next day, stick it in the slow cooker on low for a little. Then, when you’re ready to eat, it’s ready, too. No fuss!

All the ingredients for this delicious summertime recipe can be found at .

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 small red pepper, trimmed, seeded and diced
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• Three 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup water
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 hamburger buns, toasted

Directions

• In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions, and saute for five minutes, until onions are soft.

• Add the peppers, and cook for five minutes more.

• Stir in the garlic and marjoram. Continue to cook for two minutes more.

• Transfer vegetables to a bowl with a slotted spoon and reserve.

• Add the meat to the pan. Increase the heat to medium, and cook the meat, breaking it up with a wooded spoon, until it just loses its color, about five minutes.

• Pour excess fat from the pan and discard.

• Combine the meat and vegetables in the pan along with the tomato sauce, sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar, mustard, and 1/2 cup of the water.

• Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. (If the mixture appears to be too dry, add the additional water.)

• Season with the salt and pepper to taste.

• When ready to serve, divide the mixture evenly between the buns.