Preparation time: 8 to 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

• Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes bring back fond memories of childhood. Try my small-batch Joes, because adulthood, small households, and gluten-free diets should not prevent our continued enjoyment! Both the sweetness and the salt come from the ketchup.

makes 2 sandwiches

• ½ pound lean ground beef
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
• 1 very small garlic clove, minced; or 1/16 teaspoon (pinch) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• ⅛ teaspoon (dash) chili powder
• ⅛ teaspoon (dash) dried thyme
• 1/16 teaspoon (pinch) ground cloves or allspice (optional)
• 2 gluten-free hamburger buns, gently warmed

1. In a heavy 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until deeply browned and the moisture is evaporated, 5 to 7 minutes.

2. Add the ketchup, water, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cornstarch, chili powder, thyme, and cloves (if using) and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve immediately on buns.

Per sandwich: 475 calories; 25g protein; 26g total fat; 2g fiber; 35g carbohydrates; 85mg cholesterol; 358mg sodium