Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 hamburger buns
- Butter, for toasting buns (optional)
Method
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
- Make the sauce: Add ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, water or beef broth, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick, rich, and glossy.
- Toast the buns: Lightly butter the buns and toast them in a skillet until golden.
- Assemble: Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. Add pickles, cheese, or sliced onions if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately while hot and saucy! 🍔❤️