Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons / 10g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
  • 1.5 pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5g)
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (5g)
  • 6 hamburger buns, toasted
  • Optional: Sliced cheddar cheese, dill pickle chips

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, draining off any excess grease.
  3. Season the cooked beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and chili powder. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  6. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Top with cheddar cheese and pickle chips if desired.