Quick & easy homemade sloppy joes made with ground beef, garlic, onion, pepper, and homemade sauce loaded onto hamburger buns - a comforting, filling meal the whole family will enjoy!
Finely chop the onion and bell pepper and mince or grate the garlic.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Then add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the beef to the pan, using your spatula to break it into small crumbles as it browns. Add the salt, pepper, and chili powder, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.If you've used fatty meat, drain excess grease before moving to the next step.
Add the tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, water, and sugar, stirring well. Then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.At this point, taste and adjust any flavorings/seasonings, too. Leaving it to rest for a few minutes off-heat can help it to further thicken, making it easier to serve.
Optionally (highly recommended to avoid soggy buns), toast the inside of the burger buns in a dry pan.Then serve the sloppy joes loaded with the beef mixture - enjoy!
Notes
Use good-quality meat: Make sure to use high-quality ground beef that isn't overly fatty since it's the main flavor profile in this recipe.
Don't rush the simmer stage: This step doesn't only thicken the sauce; it also provides time for all the flavors to meld. If you have the time, 30-40 minutes of simmering over low heat, stirring occasionally, will be even better!
Season to taste: Taste and adjust any ingredient before serving. You can control how sweet, tangy, spicy, etc., it is.
To adjust the consistency: add a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. If it's too thin, simmer the mixture for longer to thicken and reduce.
Optional add-ins and variations: There are several ways you can boost the nutrients, texture, and flavor of this recipe to personal taste:
Other spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, onion garlic powder, etc.
Fresh herbs: For freshness, add at the end – i.e., parsley or green onions.
Canned green chilies: For extra flavor and a bit of heat.
Vegetables: Shredded carrots, zucchini, sliced celery, mushrooms, etc.
Apple cider vinegar: For a little more tangy acidity if preferred.