These tasty sloppy joes are perfect for a gathering. If you’re taking them to an afternoon event, simplify your morning by cooking the beef mixture and stirring in other ingredients the night before. Cool the meat sauce in shallow bowls in the fridge, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker to heat through and keep it warm for the party.
—HOPE WASYLENKI GAHANNA, OH
PREP: 30 MIN. • COOK: 4 HOURS • MAKES: 36 SERVINGS
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
2 medium green peppers, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
4 cups spaghetti sauce
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
36 hamburger buns, split
1. Cook the beef, sausage, peppers and onion in a Dutch oven over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a 6-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, mushrooms, tomato paste, garlic and bay leaves.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or until flavors are blended. Discard bay leaves. Serve on buns, 1/2 cup of filling on each.
To freeze: Freeze the cooled meat mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary.