Homemade Sloppy Joes
Saucy ground beef with peppers and onions in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, served on toasted buns.
Equipment
- 12 inch skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Instant read thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- ½ green bell pepper minced
- 1 small yellow onion minced
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tbsp hot sauce optional
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 6 burger buns toasted
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown the beef. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium high heat and cook the beef 5 to 6 minutes until browned. Drain it and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables. Heat the remaining oil, then cook the pepper and onion 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper for 20 seconds.
- Make the sauce. Return the beef to the pan. Stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, hot sauce, ketchup, water, and Worcestershire.
- Simmer. Cook over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes until thick and the beef reads 160 degrees F.
- Serve. Spoon onto toasted buns and serve warm.
Notes
Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef, and barbecue sauce can replace the ketchup for a smoky taste.
Tips: Mince the vegetables finely and simmer until a spoon leaves a trail.
Storage: Refrigerate the meat for 3 to 4 days or freeze it without buns for up to 3 months.