Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup, 150g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup, 150g)
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (approx. 1 teaspoon, 5g)
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (30g)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (5g)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
  • 6 hamburger buns, toasted
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, pickles, sliced onions

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, and water (or beef broth). Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
  6. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Top with your favorite toppings (cheddar cheese, pickles, onions).