Homemade Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

For the Main Sloppy Joe Mixture:

2 pounds ground beef
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:

2 cups ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Add the Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the diced green bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Drain the Excess Grease: Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the final dish from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce 4. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and taste to adjust seasoning if desired. 5. Add the Sauce to the Meat: Pour the sauce over the browned meat and vegetables in the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly. 6. Simmer on Low: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Sandwich: Serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on soft hamburger buns or Kaiser rolls. Toast the buns for added texture.
Over Rice or Pasta: A gluten-free option that also soaks up the flavorful sauce.
As a Baked Potato Topping: Spoon the mixture over baked potatoes for a hearty twist.
Sloppy Joe Sliders: Serve on smaller slider buns, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes