Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 6 brioche buns
  • 1 tbsp butter for toasting

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink (5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until onions are translucent and peppers have softened (approx. 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, water, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir well. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
  5. Lightly butter the insides of the buns and toast them in a separate pan or under a broiler until golden brown.
  6. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted bottom buns and serve immediately.