The Healthier Sloppy Joe

When I was in elementary school, I begged my Moma to pack my lunch on certain days. The cafeteria food wasn't too bad, but man I hated their sloppy joes. It just wasn't my thing. Over the years, I'm still not crazy about them, but of course, my husband is. He'd eat them all the time right beside a big bowl of spaghettios or a fat juicy rib eye steak. My hips don't agree too much with that type of food, but I know that making my husband happy is something I should consider and eating healthier versions of foods is something he should consider too. And he has. YAY!

So my version of sloppy joes...healthified.

Carrot, onion and a red pepper finely chopped in the food processor.

Quick note: I think Carrot Orange should be a color for a crayon don't ya think?!? It's so vibrant!!!

Brown the meat in a skillet and drain it well if there's excess liquid afterwards.

Stir in the vegetables and mix well.

Cook 3-5 minutes until tender.

Mix in the remaining tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar.

You'll set this to a low simmer and allow it to cook for another 20 minutes.

You'll see when it's finished...it'll be thicker and creamier. Ready for the buns.

Take it off the heat and cover until the rest of your meal is ready.

In our case, Smashed Potatoes are up for sides tonight. Check back tomorrow if you want to see how to make those.

Here's the meal in recipe form:

The Healthier Sloppy Joe

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1 lb. ground meat turkey or lean ground beef
1/2 sweet onion
 1 red pepper
1 large carrot
15 oz. tomato sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. ketchup
Whole Wheat Buns

In a food processor, chop the onion, carrot, and red pepper til a thoroughly diced. If you do not have a processor, finely chop with a knife.

In a skillet brown the meat in its own juices until it is cooked through. Drain off any liquid, if necessary. and add the vegetables.

Sauté for 2-3 minutes and add all the remaining ingredients. Bring it to a low simmer and cook slow for 20 minutes. The sauce will reduce to a thick and creamy deliciousness.

I'm headed to party with:
Show Me What Ya Got
Tuesday At The Table
Tasty Tuesday
Tempt My Tummy