Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs

Our Test Kitchen couldn't get enough of these new sloppy joes enlivened with a splash of cola, which gives the ground beef a sweet boost that plays well off the filling's spices. Try these with traditional or split-top hot dog buns or hoagie rolls. Garnish with your favorite coleslaw for crunch and color.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-size red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds ground round
• 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup spicy, fruity cola soft drink (such as Dr Pepper)
• 1/2 cup jarred sliced pepperoncini salad peppers
• Ground red pepper
• 8 hot dog buns or hoagie rolls
• Store-bought coleslaw

Directions:

1. 1. Sauté onion in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes or until onions are caramel colored.
2. 2. Add ground beef to skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, 5 to 6 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain.
3. 3. Return beef mixture to skillet. Stir in tomato paste and next 2 ingredients, and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes or until mixture thickens and color darkens. Stir in cola and 1/2 cup water, and cook, stirring constantly, 6 to 8 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from heat, and stir in pepperoncini peppers; add salt and red pepper to taste.
4. 4. Serve beef mixture immediately on buns with coleslaw.

Source: Vanessa McNeil Rocchio, Southern Living
OCTOBER 2013