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Homemade Sloppy Joes

A tangy, sweet ground beef mixture simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something the whole family craves.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. The meat should develop a rich brown color with no pink remaining.
  2. Push the cooked beef to one side of your skillet and add the diced onion and bell pepper to the empty space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and softens. Add garlic during the last minute of cooking until fragrant.
  3. Stir everything together, then add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and paprika. The mixture will look quite saucy at first.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know it's ready when the sauce coats the back of your spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Notes

Budget-friendly substitutions: Ground turkey works beautifully instead of beef. Skip the bell pepper if your kids prefer simpler flavors, and honey can replace brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. Pro tip for busy families: Dice your vegetables the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftover sloppy joe mixture for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed. The mixture freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.