Two Quick "Alternative to Cans" Recipes: Sloppy Joes & Chili Dog Sauce

These are two favorite recipes from Southern Living's Homestyle Cooking cook book.   Both allow a healthy, or at least, wholesome alternative to canned items.   Plus, they're very economical. 

Sloppy Joes  

(I always add chopped bell pepper and minced garlic w/the onion.)

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup ketchup

3 Tbsp. sweet or dill pickle relish

1 Tbsp. light brown sugar

1 Tbsp. prepared mustard

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

5 hamburger buns, toasted

Brown ground meat and onion in a large nonstick skillet, stirring until meat crumbles; drain.   Stir in ketchup and next 5 ingredients.   Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.   Spoon meat mixture over bottom halves of buns; top with remaining halves.  Yield: 5 servings.

Chili Dog Sauce  

( I try to make double or triple batches to freeze.   It reheats well, especially on the stove.)

2 lbs. ground beef, turkey, or combo.

1 med. onion, minced

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 Tbsp. chili powder

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. pepper

2 cups tomato juice

Cook ground meat and onion in a Dutch oven over med.-high heat until beef is browned, stirring until it crumbles; drain well.  

Add garlic, chili powder, and ground cumin; cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly.   Add ground ginger and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 min. or until thickened.  Serve hot over frankfurters in buns.   Yield: 5 cups.