Big Batch Sloppy Joes

• servings: 12-16 sandwiches

Ingredients

•2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vegetable oil

•2 large onions, finely chopped

•2 red bell peppers, diced

•4 celery ribs, finely chopped

•Cloves from 1 head of garlic, finely chopped

•2 tablespoons (30 mL) of chili powder

•2 tablespoons (30 mL) of ground cumin

•2 teaspoons (10 mL) of salt

•2 pounds (900 g) of fatty ground beef

2 cans (28 ounces/796 mL each) of diced tomatoes

•2 cans (5.5 ounces/156 mL) of tomato paste

•1 tablespoon (15 mL) of red wine vinegar

•2 teaspoons (10 mL) of your favorite hot sauce

Directions

1. Place your favorite heavy pot over medium-high heat. Pour in the oil and toss in the onions, red peppers, celery and garlic. Sizzle and stir them as they soften and their flavors brighten, a few minutes.

2. Stir in the chili powder, cumin and salt. Cook for another minute to brighten their flavors.

3. Stir in the meat, vigorously breaking it up into much smaller pieces. Don't brown the meat -that toughens it.

4. When the meat is no longer pink, add the tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar and hot sauce.

5. Bring to a slow, steady simmer, stirring as you go.

6. Freeze for future goodness, or spoon onto fresh soft bun bottoms, cover with their bun tops, serve and share!

Notes

From Michael Smith Family Meals (pg. 91)