Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

¾ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

¼ cup water or beef broth

4 hamburger buns
Instructions

1. Cook the beef
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add vegetables
   Stir in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Make the sauce
   Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water or beef broth and stir well.
4. Simmer
   Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.
5. Assemble
   Spoon generous amounts of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the hamburger buns.