Not Your Mom's Sloppy Joe's

If you asked me what my most hated childhood meals were, Sloppy Joe's would be at the top of my list along with hamburger helper and tuna casserole.  These were my Dad's "specialties", those and cinnamon-sugared toast (which I love, but until about the age of 15 he had me convinced that he had invented).  I had no idea that one could make Sloppy Joe's without it coming out of a can.  One day, many years ago, a girlfriend of mine was telling me how excited she was for their dinner that night.  She went on and on about how much she loved Sloppy Joe's.  I responded with  a natural gag reflex and scowl.  She looked at me like I was crazy.  She asked me if I had ever made it.  I was dumb founded.  I didn't understand how opening a can of processed Manwich was "making" Sloppy Joe's.  She went on to tell me that it's just a little bit of ketchup, mustard and brown sugar.  I was in awe.  Oh, she said, and the onion and green pepper are the key.  She never did tell me any precise directions other than cover the meat with catsup, use less mustard and a little brown sugar.  If it's too tart add more brown sugar, if it's too sweet add more mustard.  I had to have equivalents or else I would be over the stove all night ending up with Sloppy Joe soup ;)  

1 lb. of 80/20 ground beef

1 large yellow onion (diced)

1 large green sweet pepper (diced)

3/4 cup of ketchup

1 T. of yellow mustard

2 T. of light brown sugar (packed)

1 pkg. of white hamburger buns (Wonder Bread one's are just right)

-Brown the beef, onion and pepper in a large skillet on medium-high heat.  Once the meat is browned and the veggies are soft, drain off grease.  Stir in the catsup, mustard and brown sugar.  Serve on white buns.  Serves 4.  Enjoy!