Sloppy Joes à la Française Recipe

• 10-12 ounces lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 fresh thyme sprig
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 large garlic clove, chopped
• a pinch each of cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, and paprika
• 1/2-cup beef broth
• 1 1/2-tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 anchovy fillet, chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving

1. Sprinkle ground beef with a dash of pepper and a generous pinch of salt; mash with a fork to mix together.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, thyme sprig, and bay leaf, and cook until onion is slightly softened, about 4 minutes
3. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the spices, and sautee for 30 seconds to combine
5. Reduce heat slightly; add the beef with an additional pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until heated through, stirring gently once every so often with a wooden spoon to break apart beef strands, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Add tomato paste, beef broth, vinegar, and anchovy; simmer until reduced to a thick sauce, about 5-7 minutes. Season to taste with additional cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, or paprika as desired.
7. Discard thyme sprig and bay leaf; add parmesan into sauce and stir until combined. Serve on a french baguette, with additional grated parmesan.