Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion
• ½ medium green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¾ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup water
• 4 hamburger buns
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional)

Steps

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, pepper, and water.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
5. While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns.
6. Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns.
7. Optionally, top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.