Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions:
Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it's browned and no longer pink. If you're using ground turkey, cook until it's no longer pink and cooked through.
- Remove any excess fat from the skillet.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Serve:
- To serve, spoon the hot and saucy meat mixture onto hamburger buns.
- Optionally, serve with a slice of cheese, pickles, or coleslaw for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy your homemade Sloppy Joes, a comforting and satisfying sandwich that's perfect for a quick family dinner or a casual get-together.