Slowcooker Sloppy Joes

12 oz extra lean ground beef
12 oz Jennie-O Turkey extra lean
1 c red onion (med) chopped
12 oz roasted sweet red pepper (bottled)
8 oz tomato sauce
1/2 c chili sauce
1 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp dijon style mustard
3 tsp Worchestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1/2 tsp ground balck pepper
1/2 c dark beer
12 whole wheat buns, split and toasted

Great meal to prepare on weekend for week night cooking!

1. In large skillet cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is brown, using a wooden spoon to break up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat. Cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, in a large resealable freezer bag or airtight container combine roasted pepper strips, tomato sauce, chili sauce, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, salt, thyme, and black pepper. Add meat mixture to pepper mixture in bag. Seal and freeze for up to 1 month.

3. To serve, thaw meat mixture in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Transfer meat mixture to a 3 1/2 - or 4-quart slow cooker. Stir in beer. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 - 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Serve meat mixture in buns (if desired, use a slotted spoon for serving).

Serving Size: makes 12 sloppy joes

Number of Servings: 12

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user RAVINOO.