Works-For-Me-Wednesday: Coca Cola Sloppy Joes

This is another recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks: The 5:30 Challenge: 5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes, Dinner on the Table. According to the book, "Coca-Cola gives the sauce caramel sweetness and peppery spice. I am a Coca-Cola addict, so this sounds yummy (and easy) to me!

Coca-Cola Sloppy Joes

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup Coca-Cola
1 cup thick, tomato-based barbecue sauce
6 hamburger buns

In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef or turkey with the onion until onion is soft and meat is no longer pink, about 5-10 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium; stir in cola and barbecue sauce and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened to desired consistency, another 10-15 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toast cut side of buns, if desired, under broiler or in a skillet. Heap mixture onto buns and serve.

Suggestions: If it's not spicy enough for your taste, shake in some hot sauce. Serve with cole slaw (pre-made from the deli or homemade: using bagged slaw mix, add a little mayo, some sugar and a touch of vinegar)

Nutrition info: Per serving: 385 calories, (percent of calories from fat, 35), 27 grams protein, 34 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 15 grams fat, 75 milligrams cholesterol, 645 milligrams sodium.