Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 medium green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ C water
• 2 tbs Dijon or yellow mustard
• 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp packed dark brown sugar or molasses
• 4 to 6 toasted hamburger buns, for serving
• Pickle chips, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Prep Veg: Finely chop onion and bell pepper; mince garlic.
2. Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add beef and ½ tsp salt; cook, breaking it up, until browned (6-8 minutes). Transfer beef to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
3. Cook Veggies: Lower heat to medium. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Season with remaining ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper; cook until tender, not browned (6-8 minutes).
4. Bloom Spices: Add chili powder and paprika; cook, stirring, about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Build Sauce: Return beef and juices to the skillet. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Dijon, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and ¼ cup water. Stir, scraping up browned bits.
6. Simmer: Cook until thick and saucy, 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve: Spoon onto toasted hamburger buns and top with pickle chips if desired.