Homemade Sloppy Joes

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/3 green bell pepper, finely minced
• 1/2 large yellow onion, finely minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Return the beef to the skillet and incorporate the tomato paste, stirring well.
3. Add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
4. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and serve over toasted buns.