Quick & Easy Sloppy Joes: My Family's Favorite Weeknight Meal!

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for browning the meat)
• 8 oz Tomato Sauce (canned, no added herbs needed)
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Yellow Mustard
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Bell Pepper (red or green, seeded and sliced into strips)
• 1/2 Onion (medium, top layer removed, diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (peeled and minced)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
• 5 Hamburger Buns (soft, can be brioche or regular)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, for toasting buns)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce

   In a small bowl whisk together the canned tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and brown sugar until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

2. Chop the Vegetables

   Halve the bell pepper, remove seeds, slice into thin strips, then chop into bite‑size pieces. Remove the top layer of the onion and dice it. Peel the garlic cloves and mince them.

   Time: PT10M

3. Brown the Ground Beef

   Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add olive oil, then add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and cook until the meat loses its pink color, about 5‑6 minutes.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: Medium-high

4. Cook the Vegetables with the Beef

   Add the sliced bell pepper and diced onion to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the meat is nicely browned.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium

5. Add Garlic

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30‑60 seconds, just until fragrant.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium

6. Combine Sauce and Simmer

   Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches your desired thickness.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: Low simmer

7. Toast the Buns

   While the sauce simmers, spread softened butter on the cut sides of each bun. In a separate skillet over medium heat, toast the buns butter‑side down until golden brown, about 2‑3 minutes.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Medium

8. Assemble and Serve

   Spoon a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun, add pickles or chips if desired, and top with the bun lid. Serve immediately while hot.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

35g

Fat

15g

Fiber

2g