Open Faced Sloppy Joe Casserole

The traditional Sloppy Joe is a messy sandwich... but here you'll find all the flavours of that favourite sandwich without the sloppy!

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1 small sweet red pepper, diced

4 tsps minced garlic

1 1/2 cups ketchup

1/2 cup water

2 tbsps brown sugar

2 tsps chili powder

1 tsp dry mustard

2 tsps buffalo or hot sauce (optional or even more!)

2 tbsps worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

3 hamburger buns

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese

Begin by browning the beef in a large skillet. Drain off any excess fat and add the onion, red pepper and garlic and cook until softened.

Add the remaining ingredients (except the buns and cheese of course!) and bring to a boil. Then simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Taste to see if you want to add more seasoning or hot sauce.

Place hamburger bun halves in a 13 X 9" baking dish, cut side up, and put them under the broiler to gently toast. Or you might just want to pop them in the toaster on light. 

Now pile the sloppy joe filling high on each bun half.

Mix both shredded cheeses together and top the meat.

Put them back under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Makes 6 servings

Eat this one with a knife and fork!