Homemade Sloppy Joes

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1/3 green bell pepper, minced
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4–6 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in the chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors blend.
8. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the hamburger buns and serve warm.

Serving Tips

• Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
• Toast the buns lightly to prevent them from getting soggy.

Optional Variations

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add a splash of water or beef broth if you prefer a looser sauce.