Dinner: Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole

Ingredients

3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons EVOO
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80-to-85-percent lean)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup beef broth
12 ounces elbow macaroni with ridges
2 cups shredded yellow Cheddar
1/2 cup chopped crisp deli-style dill pickles

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Combine the brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and tomato sauce in a small bowl. Heat the EVOO in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until well browned. Season with salt and lots of pepper. Add the garlic, bell peppers and onions and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Pour the tomato mixture over the beef, add the beef broth and stir until well combined. Simmer until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until not quite tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and add to the sauce. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and top with the cheese.
Bake until the casserole is bubbling and the top is browned. Top with the pickles and serve from the dish.
Cook's Note: The unbaked casserole can be covered and refrigerated for a make-ahead meal. Bring to room temperature and bake as directed before serving.

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