sloppy joes

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Combine 1 tablespoon water and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in small bowl.

Step 2

In large bowl, toss beef with baking soda mixture and 12 teaspoon salt until thoroughly combined.

Step 3

Set aside.

Step 4

Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Step 5

Add onion and remaining 18 teaspoon baking soda and stir to coat.

Step 6

Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 7

Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 8

Stir in sugar, paprika, pepper flakes, and remaining 18 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring constantly, until paprika is fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 9

Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until paste is rust-colored, 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 10

Add beef and cook, breaking up meat with wooden spoon, until beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

Step 11

Mash beef with potato masher until fine-textured, about 1 minute.

Step 12

Add ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 13

Combine cornstarch and remaining 1 tablespoon water in small bowl, then pour cornstarch mixture over beef and stir to incorporate.

Step 14

Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats beef, about 1 minute.

Step 15

Season with salt, extra sugar, and extra vinegar to taste.

Step 16

Spoon beef mixture onto buns and serve.