978. BACON SLOPPY JOES

makes 4 servings


4 strips of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
salt and freshly ground pepper
4 hamburger buns, toasted

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 7 minutes; push to the side of the skillet. Increase the heat to high, add the ground beef and cook, stirring to break up any clumps, until cooked through, about 7 minutes. Stir in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve on the toasted buns.


courtesy of: Every Day with Rachael Ray, August/September 2006