Homemade Sloppy Joes

Homemade Sloppy Joes don't have to be difficult to eat. Despite the name of this iconic retro dish, the secret to a great Sloppy Joe is a thick, rich, almost dry consistency, which allows the sandwich to be eaten with your hands. Serve on hamburger buns.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 251 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbled, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in green pepper and garlic; cook and stir until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 cup water and stir, scraping the pan to dissolve any brown flavor bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 3

Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Add remaining 1 cup water and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated and mixture is thick, about 40 minutes.

Step 4

Season with salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper.