Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce/170g) can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • 6 hamburger buns, toasted (Sesame seed buns are a classic choice!)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and smoked paprika (if using) to the skillet.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken. The longer it simmers, the better it gets!
  6. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns.