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Homemade Sloppy Joes

A classic and easy-to-make dish packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/3 cup green bell pepper, minced
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar or less, if you prefer
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 3/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • dash hot sauce optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart into crumbles as it browns for about 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the browned beef to a colander to drain excess fat.
  4. Using the same skillet, add the minced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return the drained beef to the skillet and stir in the tomato paste, mixing well to coat the meat.
  7. Pour in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce (optional). Stir thoroughly.
Cooking
  1. Continue cooking over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to desired consistency.
  2. Remove from heat and serve the sloppy joe mixture over toasted buns.

Notes

For a complete meal, serve with sweet potato fries or a side salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.