Sloppy Joes

I love the holidays but things can get a little busy (ok, a lot busy) so it's always nice to have some quick and easy recipes to turn to like these sloppy joes. I guess it would be easier to just open a can or packet of sloppy joe seasoning, but these take just a few extra minutes and taste so much better. I even made the sauce ahead of time and kept it in the fridge so it would be ready whenever I had a few minutes to make dinner. I've tried a few different sloppy joe recipes but my husband and I both thought this was the best so far. It wasn't overly sweet (like most) and had a nice vinegary bite. 

Sloppy Joes

Servings: 6

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tbsp. Dijon mustard

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp. red wine vinegar

1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 carrots, grated

1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey

1/2 tsp. Montreal steak seasoning

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Hamburger buns

In a medium bowl, whisk the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, tomato sauce, and chili powder together. Set aside.

Preheat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrot and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add the meat and steak seasoning, and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess fat, if necessary. 

Add the prepared sauce to the skillet with the meat and stir to evenly coat. Simmer for at least 5 minutes or until thickened. Serve warm on toasted hamburger buns. 

Source: adapted from Cooking Light November 2011 issue