Add 1 tablespoon water and ground beef to a large skillet set over medium heat. Sprinkle the beef with ¼ teaspoon baking soda and stir well. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Be sure to continuously break up the meat with a wooden spoon or a potato masher as it cooks. With a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl and discard the rendered fat and meat juices. Set the beef aside.

Add oil to the skillet and cook until shimmering. Add butter and stir until melted. Add onion and ¼ teaspoon baking soda, stir to coat. Cook the onion, stirring often, about 4 minutes or until it is translucent and has softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

Stir in sugar, paprika, pepper flakes, dry mustard and salt. Cook, stirring continuously 1 minute.

Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly 3-4 minutes or until the paste color has darkened a bit.

Add the browned beef and stir to combine.

Add ketchup, vinegar and Worcestershire Sauce and stir well.

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and remaining 1 tablespoon water. Add the cornstarch/water mixture to the Sloppy Joe mixture and stir well. Cook until sauce thickens, stirring continuously, about 1 minute.

If desired, season to taste with extra kosher salt, sugar and/or vinegar.

Serve on soft burger buns and…

Enjoy!