Classic Sloppy Joe Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns 4 hamburger buns

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 12g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. 4.
   Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the ground beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   While the sauce is simmering, toast the hamburger buns until slightly crispy.
7. 7.
   Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, remove the skillet from heat.
8. 8.
   Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a high-quality tomato sauce to enhance the flavor of the Sloppy Joe.
• Worcestershire sauce — Look for a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce if you have dietary restrictions.
• Hamburger buns — Choose soft and slightly sweet buns to complement the flavors of the Sloppy Joe.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter Sloppy Joe, increase the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
• Customize your Sloppy Joe by adding your favorite toppings such as sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw.
• Leftover Sloppy Joe mixture can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and delicious meal the next day.
• If you want to make the Sloppy Joe in advance, prepare the sauce mixture and cook the ground beef and vegetables separately. Combine them when ready to serve.

Serving advice

Serve the Sloppy Joe sandwich with a side of crispy french fries or a fresh green salad. It pairs well with a cold glass of lemonade or a classic root beer.

Presentation advice

To present the Sloppy Joe sandwich, place the bottom half of the bun on a plate, spoon the flavorful mixture generously on top, and cover it with the other half of the bun. For a more appealing look, you can garnish the plate with a sprig of fresh parsley or a pickle spear.