classic Sloppy Joe

Here’s a classic Sloppy Joe recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean or 90% lean)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns (toasted, optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

6. Serve on toasted hamburger buns.

Tips:

• For a spicier Sloppy Joe, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
• You can also add other vegetables to this recipe, such as chopped carrots or celery.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your homemade Sloppy Joes!