Manwich – Original

Manwich – Original
Grab a taste of the classic deliciously messy favorite the entire family loves. Serve on buns, in pita bread, as a baked potato topper, taco filling – whatever you like. Known as Barbecues in Upper Midwest and Southeastern Pennsylvania, Sloppy Janes in Central Minnesota, Juicy Burger in Eastern Colorado, Hot Tamales in Southern Wisconsin, Dynamites in Northern Rhode Island, Yip Yips in Southern Illinois and St. Louis, Yums Yums in parts of Nebraska, Wimpies in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Tavern Sandwiches in Iowa, and Slushburgers in Upper Midwest and North Dakota – but still Manwich Sloppy Joes are the best no matter what you call them.

Brown, breaking up and then drain –
1 lb browned fresh ground beef

Prepare sauce whisking together in bowl:
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1⁄2 cup water
1⁄2 cup light corn syrup (Karo)
1⁄2 cup distilled white vinegar (Heinz)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon minced onion flakes
1 teaspoon unseasoned sweet chili powder
1 teaspoon plain salt
1⁄2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins)
1⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
1⁄8 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄8 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
1⁄8 teaspoon white pepper
1 bay leaf – transfer to saucepan and bring to boil, stirring constantly – stir in:
1⁄2 cup minced medium red bell pepper
1⁄3 cup minced green bell pepper

Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes; whisking occasionally. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt if needed. Transfer to pan of beef; mix thoroughly; cover to keep warm.
Good on toasted steamed buns – place halved buns in pan of melted butter – brown as desired.
Feel free to add cheese, etc.