Forget the Slop! Try Clean Joes

Sloppy Joes: you love 'em or you hate 'em. I feel like when someone asks "what's for dinner" and the response is "sloppy joes", you get that awww man sigh. But really, why? They are actually super good (that is if you're not using a can of Manwich to make them). Well I think I finally figured out the universal hate of sloppy joes; they're sloppy! I mean, who wants to be sloppy when they eat? I know I don't. So I decided to reinvent the notorious sloppy joe. Say hello to Clean Joes! Just like your traditional sloppy joe (plus my secret ingredient/substitution) but on the half shell, if you will. Or the half bun, if you prefer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground beef

• 1 small diced onion

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 can of tomato soup (my secret substitution)

• 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Melt butter in pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and saute for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add ground beef, cook until well browned.

3. Stir in tomato sauce and remaining ingredients.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Serve immediately. We prefer to eat them on the "half shell" (half of a bun). Throw the bun under the broiler for a minute to get it nice and crispy.

Notes

• I don't particularly like cooking with Ketchup unless it's a very small amount. That's why I chose to substitute the Ketchup out for tomato soup. It adds more of a rich flavor while still giving you the sweetness you would have from the Ketchup.

• As always, recipes are guidelines. Make it your own!