Here is my spicy take on the traditional Sloppy Joe. I like to make them extra zesty by adding cayenne, Louisiana Hot Sauce, chili flakes and such. Don’t let the number of ingredients dissuade you from trying this recipe. Once you get everything gathered and prepped, it only takes about 20 minutes to cook. 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef (I use a 90/10 ratio – who needs the fat?)
• 1 small onion or 1/2 large onion, peeled and minced
• 2 celery sticks, minced
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce such as Dave’s Devil’s Spit
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. dry mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp. red-chili flakes 
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne chili powder 
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce.  
• 1 Tbsp white vinegar 
• 1 Tbsp Louisiana Hot Sauce (or your favorite); you could also use salsa 

*Note: I like my Sloppy Joes to be pretty zesty. If you don’t want the spiciness, you could omit the cayenne, chili flakes and hot sauce.

Method

1. Over medium heat, cook the beef, onion, celery and garlic in a large skillet or stock pot until the meat is browned. Drain the fat.
2. Add all the remaining ingredients, stir well, and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.
3. That’s all there is to it! Serve on burger buns with your favorite sides, such as French fries, chips or au gratin potatoes and pickles.