Comfort Food, Rewired

Step 1: Gather all of the ingredients for the sauce (worcestershire pictured by mistake) and preheat the oven to the temperature specified on your french-fry bag.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, add the manwich sloppy joe sauce, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, ground mustard, and MSG (optional).

Step 3: Whisk to combine and set aside.

Step 4: Gather all of the ingredients for the onion bun packet.

Step 5: Wrap the onion buns together in a large aluminum foil packet and set aside.

Step 6: Gather all of the ingredients for the filling and prep the onion and garlic.

Step 7: Add the fries to the oven and cook according to package directions.

Step 8: Heat the butter in a large skillet over MEDIUM heat for 3-4 mins, or until melted and foamy.

Step 9: Add the ground beef.

Step 10: Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the beef, for 11-12 mins, or until cooked through and the liquid has evaporated.

Step 11: Continue cooking for 6 mins, allowing the beef to sit undisturbed for 3 mins before stirring and repeating, or until deeply browned and dark brown bits form on the bottom of the skillet.

Step 12: Add the red onion.

Step 13: Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 mins, or until softened and lightly browned.

Step 14: Add the garlic.

Step 15: Cook, stirring every 30 secs, for 1-2 mins, or until fragrant.

Step 16: Add the worcestershire sauce.

Step 17: Cook, stirring frequently, for 30-60 secs, or until the liquid has mostly reduced and evenly coats the beef.*

*NOTE: Reducing the worcestershire sauce concentrates its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors while helping it coat the beef evenly.

Step 18: Add the sauce, using a silicone spatula to scrape any remaining sauce from the bowl, then scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any remaining browned bits.

Step 19: Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to LOW then simmer the sloppy joe mixture, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for 10 mins, until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef without excess liquid.

Step 20: While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, check the fries and remove them from the oven when done, then reduce the temperature to 200°F/95°C and place the onion bun packet on the middle rack to warm for 10-15 mins.

Step 21: Remove the sloppy joe mixture from heat when it is done simmering.

Step 22: Let rest, uncovered, for 5 mins to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the warmed onion buns, and serve with crinkle-cut french fries and coleslaw.