Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown the meat: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Make the sauce: To the skillet, add the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until it slightly thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve and enjoy: While the sauce is simmering, toast your hamburger buns if desired. Divide the sloppy joe mixture evenly among the buns and enjoy the warm, messy goodness!
Tips
- Customize it: Feel free to add your own spin! Some people like to include a bit of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or other spices for varying flavors.
- Go lean: For a healthier option, try substituting the ground beef with ground turkey.
- Double the batch: This recipe freezes well, so consider making a larger batch and freezing leftovers for a quick meal later.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings like cheese slices, pickles, or even a fried egg for an extra special treat!
