Hamburger Barbecue Sauce

Makes about 1-1/3 cups, enough for 1 pound ground beef

This was my grandmother's recipe for hamburger barbecue sauce. When I was growing up in Pennsylvania, we always called the sandwiches hamburger barbecues. I do not know if the term 'sloppy joes' ever caught on in that region. Add this sauce to browned ground beef with diced onions and green peppers. For something a little different based on this recipe, see the Hamburger Barbecue Sandwiches in the similar and related recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together in saucepan. Cook just until starting to boil. Add to browned ground beef, onions and peppers and simmer over very low heat for about 30 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Serve immediately or keep warm over very low heat.

Notes: Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to five days. It can also be frozen for up to one year. Leftover sauce or hamburger barbecues reheat very well in the microwave or on the stovetop.