Pumpkin Sloppy Joes

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
8 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 hamburger buns, split
American cheese slices

In a large skillet or saucepan, brown ground beef. Drain fat. Add garlic and onion; cook until tender. Stir in the pumpkin, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, if desired, cut cheese slices into shapes to make pumpkin faces. Spoon meat mixture onto buns; top with cheese shapes. Broil just until cheese melts. Serve immediately with bun top off to side.

Yield: 8 servings.