posted by jacqibay 07-29-101 4:29 PM
Sloppy Janes
from the Desperation Dinners cookbook
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds extra-lean ground beef, fresh or frozen
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 large onion (for 1 cup chopped)
1/2 medium green or red bell pepper (for 1/2 cup chopped)
1 tablespoon dark or light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 large can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste
buns or thickly sliced French bread
If the beef is frozen, run it under hot water so you can remove any packaging. Place the beef on a microwave-safe plate and microwave 3 minutes, uncovered, on high, to begin defrosting.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Peel and coarsely chp the onion, adding it to the skillet as you chop. Add the beef (fresh or partially defrosted) to the skillet and raise the heat to high. Cook, turning and breaking up the meat occasionally, until it is crumbled and browned, 5 minutes. Meanwhile, seed and chop the bell pepper, and add it to the skillet.
Add the brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and garlic, then stir in the tomatoe sauce and tomato paste. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook 5 minutes more, stirring until all of the tomato paste is thoroughly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.