How to Make Sloppy Joes - Food Wishes

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds Extra Lean Ground Beef (prefer 90% lean, frozen then thawed)
• 0.5 medium Yellow Onion (peeled and diced)
• 1 large Green Bell Pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Ketchup (regular tomato ketchup)
• 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (or yellow mustard if preferred)
• 2 cups Water (divided, room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
• 6 pieces Hamburger Buns (soft, sesame seeds optional)

Instructions

1. Dice the vegetables

   Dice the half onion and the green bell pepper into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves.

   Time: PT5M

2. Start beef in a cold pan

   Place the 1.5 lb ground beef in a cold large skillet, then turn the burner to medium heat.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium

3. Crumble the beef

   Continuously stir and mash the beef with a wooden spoon until it breaks into very small bits, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium

4. Add aromatics

   Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet, stir and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: Medium

5. Deglaze with water

   Pour 1 cup of water into the pan, scraping the browned bits from the bottom.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium

6. Add sauce ingredients

   Stir in 1 cup ketchup, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and optional ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.

   Time: PT2M

7. Add second water cup and bring to simmer

   Add the remaining 1 cup water, increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium

8. Simmer until thick

   Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until all liquid evaporates and the mixture becomes a thick, cohesive paste (30–45 minutes).

   Time: PT40M

   Temperature: Low

9. Taste and adjust seasoning

   Taste the filling and add more salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.

   Time: PT2M

10. Serve on buns

    Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately, optionally with tater tots on the side.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

2 g