Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup) (150g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 cup) (150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons) (10g)
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (700g) (80/20 blend for maximum flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (2.5g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) (1.25g)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120ml)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (50g)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (15ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 6-8 hamburger buns, toasted (Brioche or potato buns recommended!)
  • Optional toppings: Pickles, coleslaw, shredded cheese

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Visual cue: Vegetables should be translucent and softened.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, draining off any excess grease. Visual cue: Beef should be evenly browned and no longer pink.
  3. Stir in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom. Aromatics: Spices should become more fragrant.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. Visual cue: Sauce should thicken and flavors should meld.
  6. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Add your favorite toppings and get ready to dive in!