Smokey Maple Sloppy Joe

Always a family favourite, Sloppy Joes evoke fond memories of childhood smiles and messy hands. They make a simple and savoury weeknight meal for a hungry crowd.

Conventional ground beef comes from cows who are fed an unnatural diet of corn and soy.  When cows grass-fed, their meat is higher in vitamins and minerals, and while often leaner, contains a greater proportion of healthy fats (think omega-3 and CLA) than its grain-fed counterpart.

This recipe’s combination of fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika provides a subtle smokiness, which is well balanced by a touch of maple syrup. The extra simmering time allows the flavours to develop, but if you are in a hurry simply bring everything to a simmer and then serve.

Not feeding a crowd? Refrigerate the remaining Joes for up to four days. When ready to eat, reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of water if the mixture seems dry.

For a gluten-free or grain-free alternative, serve on in lettuce cups, in a baked bell pepper, or on a keto bun (such as UnBun).

• 1lb grass-fed ground beef
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. coarse salt
• 1 tbsp. garlic, finely chopped
• ½ cup green or red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp, maple syrup
• 1 tbsp, balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. smoked paprika
• 6 hamburger buns

Sauté beef in a medium-sized skillet. Add onion, salt garlic, and bell pepper and sauté until vegetables are tender. Add in remaining ingredients and let simmer for about a half-hour to let the flavors mesh.  Divide the mixture among six hamburger buns. Serves 6