A Family That Eats Together: Sloppy Joes - Italian Style

Marin Mommies presents this week's guest recipe from Nicole Cibellis, Marin mom and author of the blog A Family that Eats Together, where she shares meal plans and recipes that will please foodies and children alike.

This recipe takes the average sloppy joy recipe to the next level and you will never want to go back! The pancetta, like any form of bacon, makes everything better. The sauce is smoky and savory. Add the parmesan and you have a meal you won't soon forget!

Serves: 8–10
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 cup chopped pancetta
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 30 ounces pureed tomato
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• hamburger buns
• parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Brown the beef and pancetta in a pan over medium heat.
2. While the meat is browning. Add the carrot, celery, bell pepper and onion to a food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped.
3. When the meat is browned, add the chopped veggies and sauté for 5 minutes. Pour in the pureed tomato, liquid smoke, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Add the paprika, BBQ seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a low simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Heat the hamburger buns.
5. Serve the meat over the buns with Parmesan on top.