Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil optional, if needed for cooking
- 4-6 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese pickles, or coleslaw
Instructions
Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. If necessary, drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and coat the ground beef well.
Prepare the Buns:
- While the mixture is simmering, lightly toast the hamburger buns. This step is optional but helps prevent the buns from becoming too soggy.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Add any desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw.
Serve:
- Serve the Sloppy Joe sandwiches hot, with your favorite sides like French fries, a green salad, or potato chips.