Awesome Sloppy Joe Epiphany

Ingredients

Oil, vegetable½ cup
Onions, large, finely chopped(about 2 pounds)6 each
Red peppers, large, seeds removed and finely chopped(about 5¾ pounds)16 each
Garlic, fresh, minced¾ cup
Chili powder3 tablespoons
Cumin, ground1 tablespoon
Oregano, dried5 teaspoons
Raw beef, crumbled16 pounds
Black pepper1 tablespoon
Tomato paste3 cups
Salsa4 cups
Hot sauce(or more, to taste)¼ cup
Diced tomatoes(or tomato sauce)1½ #10 cans
Ketchup or sweet barbeque sauce1½ cups
Vinegar, apple cider½ cup
Water2 cups
Hamburger buns, whole-grain100 each

Instructions

  1. In a large (3-gallon), heavy two-handled pan (or a tilt skillet or steam-jacketed kettle), heat the oil and add the onions and pepper.
  2. Sauté for 15 minutes over low heat.
  3. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes, stirring often.
  4. Add the beef crumbles, black pepper, tomato paste, salsa, hot sauce, and the diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
  5. Add the water and stir well. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring often. Taste for seasoning, adding the ketchup and the vinegar and then salt and pepper. Add a bit more tomato sauce if it needs enriching. Keep at 140°F until service.
  6. Serve ½ cup meat mixture on a hamburger bun.

Recipe Notes

One portion is ½ cup meat mixture on a hamburger bun.