Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:



* 1 lb. lean ground beef

* 1 medium sized onion, finely chopped

* 1/2 large bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped

* 1 large rib celery, finely chopped

* 1 clove garlic, minced

* 1 6-oz. can tomato paste

* 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar, or more if needed

* 2 Tbsp. firmly packed light or dark brown sugar, or more if needed**

* 1 tsp. paprika

* 1/2 tsp. dry mustard

* 3/4 tsp. salt

* 1/2 tsp. chili powder, or to taste

* 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

* dash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco

* dash of cayenne pepper

* spaghetti squash


**I calculated this recipe's nutritional value using Splenda brown sugar blend.

Cooker: Medium round or oval

Setting and Cook Time: LOW for 6 to 7 hours



Directions:



1. In a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef with the onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic, stirring to break up the meat.

2. When the meat is cooked through, transfer the meat and vegetables to the slow cooker.

3. Add the remaining Sloppy Joe ingredients and stir to combine well.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours.

5. Taste and add more vinegar or sugar, if desired.

6. Serve the meat mixture spooned on to the spaghetti squash.


The actual recipe calls for serving on hamburger buns. I thought spaghetti squash sounded like a really healthy alternative, but would have to be prepared separately.

Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user FLYNNGALS.