Zesty Sloppy Joes

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 6 ounce can vegetable juice

1/2 cup catsup

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons no-calorie, heat-stable granular sugar substitute

2 tablespoons chopped, canned jalapeno peppers (optional)

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

8 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted

Shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (optional)

Sweet pepper strips (optional)

1. In a large skillet cook ground beef*, onion, and garlic until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat. *TIP: You can substitute lean ground turkey (at least 93 percent lean, or 93/7) in place of ground beef.

2. Meanwhile, in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine vegetable juice, catsup, water, sugar substitute, jalapeno peppers (if desired), mustard, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in meat mixture.

3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours. Spoon meat mixture onto bun halves. If desired, sprinkle with cheese and serve with sweet pepper strips. Makes 8 servings.

http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/recipe/beef/zesty-sloppy-joes/