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Homemade Sloppy Joes

Quick and flavorful homemade Sloppy Joes that are perfect for a weeknight dinner, customizable to suit your taste, and a nostalgic comfort food.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 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 Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
  • 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 For a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar if desired.
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 3/4 tsp chili powder Increase for a spicier flavor.
  • 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
 

Cooking
  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks, for about 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the beef to a colander to drain.
  4. In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
  5. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return the drained beef to the skillet and mix in the tomato paste thoroughly.
  7. Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Mix everything well.
  8. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens to your preference.
  9. Remove from heat and serve on toasted buns.

Notes

Serve on warm, toasted buns. Add cheese, pickles, or coleslaw on top for extra flavor. Pair with fries, salad, or chips for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.