Smoky Joes

• 1 tablespoon bacon drippings or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef (may substitute ground turkey)
• 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke
• 3 tablespoons chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons recaito (or cilantro based seasoning sauce)
• 1 (6 ounce) can no-added-salt tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 2 -3 teaspoons browning sauce (such as Kitchen Bouquet)
• salt or salt substitute
• 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon sage
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

1. In a skillet, heat the drippings or oil and saute the onions and green pepper over medium heat until onions are translucent.
2. Place the onions and peppers in the bottom of a crockpot.
3. Add all the other ingredients EXCEPT the cocoa powder and browning/seasoning mix.
4. Cook on low for about an hour.
5. Stir the mixture and then sprinkle the cocoa powder on top.
6. Mash the mixture with a potato masher.
7. Stir again.
8. Continue cooking on low for another 30 to 40 minutes.
9. Taste, and add more liquid smoke and/or other spices to taste.
10. Add the browning/seasoning mix and stir thoroughly.
11. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
12. Serve on hamburger rolls or biscuits.

bacon, lean ground beef, sweet onion, green pepper, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, chili sauce, recaito, tomato paste, mustard, cocoa powder, browning sauce, salt, sage, sugar, vinegar

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/smoky-joes-17463 (may not work)