Old-Fashioned Sloppy Joes

Steps

1. 1

   Finely dice the onion and green bell pepper so they cook evenly. Have the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and garlic powder measured and ready.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, approximately 180–200°C (350–400 °F). Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned throughout and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes.

   Start 8-minute timer
3. 3

   Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the browned beef. Reduce the heat to medium, approximately 160–170°C (325–350 °F), and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

   Start 6-minute timer
4. 4

   Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and garlic powder until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated and the sauce is well combined.

5. 5

   Reduce the heat to low, approximately 130–140°C (275–275 °F). Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and clings to the meat rather than pooling in the skillet.

   Start 15-minute timer
6. 6

   Taste the filling and season with salt and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning only after simmering, since the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are already salty.

7. 7

   Spoon the hot sloppy-joe mixture onto the hamburger buns and serve immediately. Toast the buns first if you want extra texture and added resistance to the saucy filling.