Home-Made BBQ Sloppy Joe

Spread ground beef across the bottom of a large pot. Do not overcrowd pot. Sear in two batches if necessary. Season with dried onion soup mix, black pepper, and a little pinch of salt.

Remove beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Sweat onions and peppers in beef fat over medium heat until they are almost softened. Add tomatoes and garlic. Cook 1 minute.

Return beef to pan. Stir.

Add worcestershire sauce and vinegar. Scrape up brown bits on the bottom of the pot. Cook until reduced completely.

Add tomato puree, chili sauce, ketchup, bbq sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir. Simmer 10 minutes.

Variations; Roasted bell peppers or garlic or tomatoes or jalapeños, paprika, shallots, habanero, celery, carrots, white pepper, peppercorn melange, pearl onions, beer, thyme, cayenne, crushed pepper flakes, chile powder, cumin, chives, scallions, tamarind, spinach, arugula, queso fresco, serrano, ancho chile, chipotle, malt vinegar, avocado, poblano, beef stock, applewood seasoning, mushrooms, red bell pepper, red wine vinegar, bourbon, rum, gin, brandy, Jack Daniels, sugar,cilantro, parsely, corn, zucchini, crushed pineapple, mango, coffee, espresso, diced sausage