Not-so-Sloppy Joe Burger

Pairs well with:

White Zinfandel

With strawberry and melon essences, this American original is perfectly at home with however you like to unwind.

Sloppy Joes are a staple in our school cafeterias.This burger allows adults to enjoy the flavor from childhood without the mess.

Ingredients:

Sloppy Joe Sauce:
1 (15oz.) can tomato sauce
1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
3 TBSP apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. chii powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp. soy sauce

Burgers:
2 lbs. lean ground beef
1/2 c. shredded onion–squeezed dry
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c. sloppy joe sauce
1/4 c. plain bread crumbs
Vegetable oil for brushing on grill

Buns:
6 toasted onion burger buns–split
4 TBSP margarine–softene
Garlic Juice Spray

Caramelized Onion & Pepper:
2 medium yellow onions–sliced thin
1 green bell pepper-sliced thin
1 red bell pepper sliced thin
2 TBSP olive oil
1 tsp. salt

Instructions:

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high.

In a medium sized bowl, gently combine all burger ingredients making sure not to over mix or squeeze the meat mixture. Form meat into six equally sized patties, cover with plastic wrap and set aside.

To prepare sloppy joe sauce:
In a small bowl, combine all sloppy joe ingredients. Whick to completely incorporate brown sugar. Reserve 1/4 c. sauce for burger mixture.

To prepare onions & peppers:
Heat a large, heavy cast iron skillet on the grill. Add olive oil, onions, peppers, and salt. Place skillet over medium to low heat area of grill. Slowly cook to caramelize. Remove from grill and cover with foil to keep warm. Skillet will help to retain heat.

To prepare buns:
Heat a large, heavy cast iron skillet on the grill. Spread softened margarine on the inside of each bun. Before placing buns in skillet, spray each bun with garlic spray–2-3 sprays on each side.
When skillet is heated to medium, place buns to toast. Remove when golden brown.

When the grill is ready, brush with vegetable oil. Place burger patties on grill, cover, and cook until almost done. Turn burgers. Brush done side with a generous amount of sloppy joe sauce. Cover and cook 2-3 minutes. Turn burgers once more. Brush again with sloppy joe sauce. Cover and cook until done.

To assemble burgers, spread sloppy joe sauce on bun bottom and top. Top bun bottom with a burger caremlized onions & peppers. Add bun top and serve.