Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Hamburger buns
Instructions
- Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add spices and tomato paste: Mix in the chili powder and tomato paste. Cook the mixture while stirring until it turns a deep burgundy color, intensifying the flavors.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Combine the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and tomato sauce. Pour this sauce mixture over the cooked beef and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sloppy joe mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend all the flavors beautifully.
- Serve: Spoon the savory beef mixture onto hamburger buns and serve immediately for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning by adding more chili powder if you prefer it spicier.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Using lean beef reduces excess fat but still provides rich flavor and protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
