2- 2 ½ lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
1/2–1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup packed fresh parsley, chopped or 1 Tbs dried parsley
1 1/2 cups water
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup ketchup
1 Tbs chili powder
1/2 Tbs brown sugar
2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs red wine vinegar
1/2–1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp dry mustard
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp Tabasco sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch ground cloves
Hamburger buns or Homemade Bread, toasted
Shredded cheese
Sliced green onions or finely chopped red or yellow onions
Brown ground beef in a large skillet until thoroughly cooked; drain fat. Add onion, red or green pepper, garlic and parsley to the skillet. Cook until onions are translucent.
Add remaining ingredients (except buns and toppings) and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Uncover and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until Sloppy Joes are thickened as desired.
Serve over toasted buns (open-faced or full buns) with shredded cheese and onions for toppings.
**NOTE: Use a food processor to chop the onion, peppers, garlic and parsley if you want fine pieces that are less noticeable to children!
