Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (85 or 90% works well)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water (plus more if needed)
• 4 hamburger buns

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Heat a large pan to medium heat with the olive oil and add the onion and bell pepper. Saute until soft (about 5 minutes).

2. 2

   Add the ground beef to the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Saute the beef until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes) then mix in the salt, chili powder, and hot red pepper flakes.

3. 3

   Turn the heat down to medium and add the garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes or until very fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Mix well and keep at a low simmer.

5. 5

   Taste test the sloppy Joes and adjust salt and pepper if required. Once satisfied, turn the heat to low and move on to browning the buns

6. 6

   Heat a pan or griddle top to medium heat and add a touch of olive oil. Place the buns, cut side down, in the pan and cook until browned (about 1-2 minutes). Divide the beef on to the 4 buns and serve. Enjoy!