Bacon Sloppy Joes

BI must admit that Sloppy Joes are usually made with Manwich at my house! This is almost as easy, and much more tasty! I used ground turkey instead of beef and added a bunch of fresh veggies. The bacon gives it great flavor. I did use the bacon drippings to cook the veggies, but you could certainly cook the bacon in the microwave and saute the veggies in olive oil. Its a little healthier that way! Publix had Smithfield Bacon B1G1 this week ($.55/1 coupon). This is a great way to sneak veggies in for your kids too. Husband in my case! Add some carrots and green peppers if that's what you have in the fridge. This was really good and I will be making this one again!



4 strips of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1-1/2 lbs. ground turkey (mine was 1.3 lbs)
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 hamburger buns, toasted


In a large skillet cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 7 minutes. Take out to drain on a paper towel. Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of drippings. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic to the 1 tablespoon bacon drippings and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 7 minutes. Push to the side of the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground turkey and cook, breaking up larger pieces with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about another 7 minutes. Drain off any excess juice or fat with a baster bulb. Stir in ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper and serve on the toasted buns (I like to add yellow mustard and sliced cheese).



Enjoy!



(adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine)