Sloppy Joes

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium (about 1 cup diced) yellow onion
• 1/2 medium (about 1/2 cup diced) green bell pepper
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 tbsp butter (for buns, optional)

Instructions

1. 1Dice the onion and green bell pepper into small pieces (about 1/4-inch).
2. 2In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving in the pan.
3. 3Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 4-5 minutes.
4. 4Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. 5Add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. 6Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a sloppy consistency.
7. 7While the sauce simmers, lightly butter the hamburger buns if desired and toast them in a separate skillet or under the broiler until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
8. 8Taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt or brown sugar if needed.
9. 9Spoon generous portions of the meat mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately.