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1
To prepare the sauce: Heat a 2 1/2-quart saucepan over medium heat and when hot, add 3 tablespoons oil.
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2
When oil is hot, stir in minced onion, green and red pepper, celery and garlic.
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3
Cook over medium-low heat until vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
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4
Stir in tomato puree, tomato paste, ketchup, vinegar, molasses and Worcestershire sauce.
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5
Bring mixture to a simmer and turn heat down to very low.
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6
Simmer sauce with the cover ajar for 1 hour.
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7
Meanwhile, heat an 8-inch skillet over high heat and when hot, add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.
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When oil is hot, add chopped mushrooms and cook mushrooms, stirring over high-heat until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
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9
Turn heat off and set skillet aside.
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10
After sauce has been simmering for 1 hour, uncover and add Sauteed chopped mushrooms, prepared fresh tomatoes, oregano, Bovril seasoning and some freshly ground black pepper.
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Bring back to a simmer and cook with the cover ajar for 30 minutes more.
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12
Uncover and let cool until needed.
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Note: If you plan on cooking right away, just measure out 2 cups of the sauce, and let the remaining sauce cool.
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Freeze for the next time.
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15
To add browned ground meat: Heat a 10-inch deep-sided skillet over medium heat and, when hot, add the ground meat and break up with a wooden spoon.
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Cook meat until separate and golden brown, then remove from the stove and drain out any excess fat from skillet.
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Return pan to stove and stir in 2 generous cups of prepared sauce to meat.
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Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat and cook (uncovered) until flavors mingle and the mixture is piping hot throughout, about 10 minutes.
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Add some more freshly ground black pepper to taste and
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Note: If serving 4, brown 1 pound of ground meat and add 1 generous cup of sauce.
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21
To assemble Sloppy Joe's and serve: Spoon ground beef mixture onto split hamburger buns that have been spread lightly with butter and broiled to toast the buttered side only.
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Serve hot.
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Variation Tips:
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24
This Sloppy Joe mixture is not only great on buns, but it's also fabulous over hot (lightly buttered) pasta.
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25
Toss in some cooked peas (fresh or frozen) and you've got yourself a hearty and delicious meal.
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Alternatively, stir this into a bowl of cooked long grain white rice, for a change of texture.
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And don't throw out any leftovers...heat it up the next night and spoon it onto baked potatoes.
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Eat (as is) or if desired, sprinkle the top lightly with grated cheddar cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
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29
Now, add a simple green tossed in a light vinaigrette and you've got yourself yet another easy and delicious meal!
