Sloppy Joes

I've loaded these Sloppy Joes with vegetables for a healthier version of an old classic dinner recipe. Paired with a whole-wheat bun, the whole family will enjoy these—mine sure did!

Ingreadient

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion (diced)
• 1 rib celery (diced)
• 1 carrot (peeled and diced)
• 1 pound ground beef (grass-fed recommended)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• pepper (to taste)
• 1 can tomato sauce (plain, 15 ounce)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (Optional: This was the “secret” ingredient that reminded me of the Sloppy Joes from my childhood, but I realize it’s out of the ordinary so decide for yourself if you like this addition!)
• whole-wheat buns (toasted, for serving (for sliders use small buns or dinner rolls!))

Step by step

1. Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and carrot and cook until they begin to soften but not brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and garlic, and cook while breaking up the meat with a spatula. Season with the salt and pepper. Continue to cook until the meat has browned all the way through. Drain the excess fat and discard.
3. Add the tomato sauce, honey, chili powder, vinegar, mustard, and cinnamon (if using) to the pan and simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm with whole-wheat buns and some yummy vegetables on the side. Enjoy!