Spicy Sloppy Joe's

1 to 1 & 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 sweet or yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
(**or tomato sauce, just reduce water to 1/2 c.)
1 cup water
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 hamburger buns, split

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute the ground beef and onion for 5 minutes or until the onion is tender. Drain the fat and return to skillet.

Mix in tomato paste and warm water, stirring until paste is completely dissolved. Stir in garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, vinegar, brown sugar, oregano, salt and pepper. Add to cooked meat/onion mixture. Continue to heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until desired thickness is reached.