ROBIN BENZLE'S NEAT JOSEPHS (Sloppy Joes without the slop)

For 4 burgers:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons bottled Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 lbs. ground sirloin
• Flour

In a medium skillet, saute onion, bell pepper and celery in a little olive oil until tender. Add tomato, ketchup, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer about 10 minutes, uncovered, until most of liquid is cooked off but mixture is moist. Allow to cool.

In a large bowl, mix together ground sirloin and vegetable mixture. Form 4 patties. Before frying in a little oil, dredge patties in flour. Note: The brown sugar in the mixture will 'blacken' slightly while frying, which makes for a delicious caramelized flavor.

Serve Neat Josephs all by themselves in a good bun, or do what my husband does and add a dollop of sour cream.

(c) 1994 by Robin Benzle.