Chef John's Sloppy Joes

The secret to a great 'Sloppy Joe' is a thick, rich, almost dry consistency, which allows it to be eaten two-fisted, sans fork.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 271 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• ¾ cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 ½ pounds extra lean ground beef

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine the ground beef and onion in a cold skillet, place the skillet onto a stove burner, and turn the heat to medium; cook and stir until the beef is crumbly and browned. Stir the garlic and bell pepper into the beef mixture; continue cooking and stirring until the vegetables are tender, 2 to 3 more minutes. Add 1 cup of water. Mix in ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Pour in 1 more cup of water. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook until the mixture becomes very thick, 30 to 45 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Season with cayenne.