Homemade Sloppy Joes

Several years ago I was given a recipe for some absolutely delicious sloppy joes.  They take a bit longer to make than just browning meat and adding a can of sauce (or a can of tomato sauce and a seasoning packet), but all of us at this little place here agree they are worth the work.  Plus, using home raised meat from the deep freeze and veggies from the garden, they are practically no cost at all.  Definitely not as much as the stuff in the can.  And way better.  Way, way better.

Start with 1 pound of your favorite ground meat.  We use beef or venison, but I would imagine turkey or unseasoned pork would work too.  Brown the meat in a 10" skillet, then drain off the grease (if any).

Sprinkle 2 Tbsp flour over the browned, drained meat.

Then add:
1 cup ketchup
1 cup water
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp prepared mustard (not dry mustard)
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
2 Tbsp vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Stir this all together, bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower heat and simmer, uncovered, at least an hour or until desired consistency.  Serve on buns.