Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes with Sweet Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• •1 tablespoon olive oil
• •1 medium onion, finely chopped
• •1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
• •2 cloves garlic, minced
• •1 pound ground beef
• •1 cup tomato sauce
• •1/4 cup ketchup
• •2 tablespoons tomato paste
• •1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• •1 tablespoon brown sugar
• •1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• •1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• •1/2 teaspoon salt
• •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• •4 hamburger buns

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

5. 5

   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

6. 6

   Simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

7. 7

   Toast the hamburger buns, if desired.

8. 8

   Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun and cover with the top half. Serve immediately.