Classic American Sloppy Joes

Classic American Sloppy Joes ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 1 medium Green bell pepper
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 cup Ketchup
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 cup Beef broth or water
• 4 split Hamburger buns

How to make Classic American Sloppy Joes

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains, about 7-9 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet and set the cooked beef aside.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then add the finely chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until well combined.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef and vegetables in the skillet. Add 1/2 cup of beef broth or water and stir everything together thoroughly.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the Sloppy Joe mixture simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of brown sugar for sweetness if desired.
8. While the mixture simmers, you can lightly toast the split hamburger buns in a dry skillet, toaster, or oven until golden brown.
9. Spoon generous portions of the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately.

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