Ultimate Sloppy Joes:

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
- 8 hamburger buns, toasted with butter

Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Mix well to combine.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Serve the hot Sloppy Joe mixture on toasted, buttered hamburger buns.

Yield: 8 servings
