16 seeded hamburger buns
1/2 Teaspoon(s) salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 Vidalea onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/4 Cup(s) Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1/2 Cup(s) honey
1/4 Cup(s) Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 29 oz. can tomato sauce
4 strips bacon
3 Pound(s) 90% lean ground beef
Cook the bacon until it is cooked through, but not crisp. Remove the bacon, but leave the grease in the pan to allow it to add flavor to the beef. Dice and set aside.
Cook the ground beef over medium heat until completely browned; reduce to simmer; stir occasionally until ‘dry’.
In a stock pot, mix all liquid ingredients at a low simmer, stirring constantly, in the following order:
1 – Tomato sauce
2 – Tomato paste
3 – Worcestershire sauce
4 – Maker’s Mark
5 – Honey
Let simmer for 5 minutes, then add the diced peppers and onions and minced garlic; stir and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Add ground beef and bacon; stir thoroughly. Cover and let simmer 5 more minutes.
Serve on seeded hamburger buns. Makes approximately 16 sandwiches.
Variation: You can substitute pork sausage for the ground beef, either completely or half/half. I have done both variants, and they are equally delicious!