Budget Meals Under Ten Dollars - Everyday Sloppy Joes

In this day and age of economic turmoil and political unrest, people around the world are struggling just to keep their lives from spinning out of control. Gas prices are up. Food prices are up. Uncertainty is up. Feelings of despair are up. Wages are down. Home prices are down. Confidence is down. Having quality time is down. Yet the one main constant that you can still have in your life is a economical family meal at the dinner table. Even with all the craziness swirling around us today, it is still possible to accomplish this for under $10.00 a meal. This popular and tasty recipe has been around for generations. I often use this recipe myself when I am pressed for time or out of new cooking ideas. It is simple, economical, and kid friendly.    

Everyday Sloppy Joes

Makes 6 Servings

1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
3/4 cup ketchup
3 teaspoons brown sugar
salt and ground black pepper to taste

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and green pepper; drain off liquids.

2. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 

I like to also add a can of tomato sauce to this recipe just to give the meat some added moistness. It can be an 8 ounce can of any brand. I think I purchased a can last week for about 30 cents. You can toast your hamburger buns if so desired. You have many options with this recipe. Be sure to visit our web site and see all of our other wonderful recipes. Many of them have been submitted from folks all over the world. You can submit your family heirloom recipe as well!