Veggie Sloppy Joes by E. Seaton

summer squash sloppy joes

1 lb. ground lean beef or turkey
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot chopped
1 1/2 cups diced zucchini
1 6-oz. can tomoato paste
3 garlic cloves minced
1 TB mild chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp. dried oregano
kosher salt & black pepper to taste
cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
hamburger buns (whole wheat)

1. in large skillet over medium high heat, saute the ground beef or turkey until browned, about 7 min. add the onion and saute 2 min.
2. add the carrot and satue 2 min.
3. add the squash and saute 1 min. more. stir in the tomato paste and 1.5 cups water, stirring until the paste has dissolved.
4. add the garlic, chili powder, paprika & oregano, and season with the salt & pepper.
5. reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until the mixture has thickened, 8-10 min.
6. turn on broiler.
7. divide the cheese among the bottom halves of the hamburger buns.
8. transfer both halves of the buns to the broiler, open faced & toast until the cheese has melted and the top buns are toasted.
9. remove the buns from oven & fill each sandwich with sloppy joe mixture.

Note: This makes enough for 4-6 adults. I took the "leftovers" added 1-2 cans of tomato sauce and then froze for instant homemade spaghetti sauce.