Italian-Style Sloppy Joes

INGREDIENTS

For the meat filling:

2 tbsp

extra-virgin olive oil

2 1/2 lb

lean ground beef

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

red bell pepper, diced

medium onion, diced

5 cloves

garlic, minced

1 6 ounce can

tomato paste

1 28 ounce can

crushed or diced tomatoes

1 tbsp

sugar

1 tsp

dried oregano

1 tsp

dried basil

1/4 cup

grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

splash white or regular balsamic vinegar (optional, my variation)

2 tbsp

finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish

For the garlic toast:

Garlic Toast:

slices French bread

1 stick

butter, softened

1/4 cup

grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp

extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp

finely chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp

garlic powder

1/4 tsp

paprika

1/4 tsp

dried oregano

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper