Smokey Joes by Catherine Newman

I've mentioned the blogger Catherine Newman before.  I just love her blog Ben and Birdy, and I love her recipes.  This one was published at Disney Family, and while this link is still active, many of Catherine's recipes published by Disney at it's various sites have disappeared into internet history.  So, I'm going to post the whole recipe here to make sure I can always find it no matter what Disney decides to do, but I do encourage you to check out the original post to give Catherine some click love.  

Smokey Joes by Catherine Newman

Calling all napkins! These are tangy, sweet, and sloppy -- just the way you like them -- but with a delectable hint of smokiness. If you don't have smoked paprika (also called pimenton) or chipotles (which are smoked jalapenos), try substituting half a teaspoon of liquid smoke.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder, (or 1/2 teaspoon canned chipotles)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
•  salt to taste
• 4 hamburger buns

Directions:

• In a large skillet over high heat, sauté the beef, onions and garlic until the beef is cooked through and all the liquid has boiled off.
• Turn the heat to low then add the spices and cook, stirring, for a few seconds
• Stir in the remaining ingredients, then partially cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
• Divide the mixture among the buns and serve