Sloppy Joes

I grew up eating Sloppy Joes that my mom made using a dry packet. I remember those sandwiches tasting so good. She would prepare them and then wrap them in wax paper before serving so that the buns would steam. A recipe in a little magazine called American Profile caught my eye and I decided to work off of it and try my own. Let's just say that mom's were still better. This was okay, but just not quite right.

Sloppy Joes

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

2 (15 oz. ) cans tomato sauce

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp. liquid smoke

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp. jarred barbecue sauce

1 tsp. sugar (optional)

Coarsely ground black pepper

1/2 cup water

combine meats, onion and garlic in large skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking up meat with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally; until thick.

Serve on hamburger buns.

erves 8.