Equipment used: Cast iron skillet | Crock Pot

For the sloppy joes

1. Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s really hot, drizzle in the vegetable oil and add the ground beef. Break up the beef into small pieces and brown it, about 8 minutes.
2. Add the onion and red bell pepper, cook for about 3 minutes. Drain the grease and transfer the mixture to your crock pot. Add the chili sauce. Rinse out the remaining chili sauce stuck in the bottle with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the mixture. Add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, granulated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cinnamon, balsamic vinegar, worcestershire, chipotles, and garlic. Stir to combine. Give it a taste, and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. Cover and set your crock pot to High heat for 4 hours, or Low heat for 6 hours.
3. After the first hour of cooking, break up the meat mixture even more with a wooden spoon. Cover and continue.
4. After the second hour of cooking, add the tomato paste and stir well to combine. Cover and continue.
5. At the very last hour of cooking, add the mustard and stir well to combine. Cover and continue cooking until it’s done. Adjust seasoning if needed.

For the fried onions

1. Heat about an inch of oil in a medium pot with high sides to 380 degrees F.
2. While the oil is heating, toss the onions in the self-rising flour until well coated.
3. When the oil is ready, fry a handful of onions in batches until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with fine sea salt fresh out of the oil.

Serve the sloppy joes on buttered toasted buns of your choice, the fried onions, and baby greens (if using). Enjoy!