Italian Sloppy Joes

 

I had a pound of ground sweet Italian sausage, some crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and shredded mozzarella.....what to cook for dinner tonight? I also had keto style hamburger buns.  Sweet Harold suggested I try an Italian Sloppy Joe and, let me tell you, the results were delicious!  

1 lb. ground sweet (or hot) Italian sausage

1/2 small yellow onion, diced

1 small green bell pepper, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. dried Italian seasoning

14-16 oz. crushed tomatoes with basil/oregano

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

1/2 t. salt

1/4 - 1/2 t. dried red pepper flakes

1 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1 - 2 t. red wine vinegar

1 t. chopped parsley

buns for serving

shredded mozzarella for topping

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown sausage with onions, peppers, and garlic.  Break the sausage up with a wooden spoon as you stir and brown the meat.  When sausage is cooked through, add in the Italian seasoning and cook for another minute or so, stirring constantly.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and dried red pepper flakes.  Lower heat and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes or so, stirring frequently.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, and chopped parsley.  Taste and add more salt if needed. Remove from heat.

For serving, lightly butter the buns and sprinkle with granulated garlic.  Do NOT use garlic SALT because who wants salty buns??  I hate it when restaurants use garlic salt on garlic bread.  But I digress.  Place the buns on a baking sheet and put under your oven broiler for a few minutes until the buns are lightly browned.

Spoon a happy portion of the sloppy joe filling on the buns and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.  Serve immediately.