I wanted to make Sloppy Joes without sugar or tomato sauce. The tiny bit of ketchup is optional.   I use carrots and onions in this recipe to add a little natural sweetness. This is a recipe that will serve approximately 20 adults. Freezes well.

For those with Celiac Disease serve over gluten free buns/dinner rolls.

Sugarless Sloppy Joes

4 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
2 large onions, diced  
2 tbsp. butter  
4-5 carrots, medium
2 tbsp. chili powder
2 tbsp. mustard
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup ketchup optional
1 can 796 ml crushed tomatoes

Cook carrots in water until soft.  Drain.  Mash or puree.  Set aside. In large sauce pan caramelize onions in the two tablespoons butter.  Add the ground beef.  Fry until ground been is browned.  Add remaining ingredients including the mashed carrots.  Simmer for 15 – 20 minutes until thickened.  If you need to thicken it up you can mix 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch in a little water and add to mixture.  Simmer for a few minutes after adding cornstarch and water.  Serve over buns.