A childhood favorite made even better! There are foods I loved as a child that I look at now and think- did I really think that was good? But one of my favorite childhood meals is one I still love today- Sloppy Joes. I make them from scratch, and they taste so much better than from a can. However, they are still easy to put together. These sandwiches are piled high with seasoned ground beef in a rich and savory tomato sauce. Toasting the buns only makes them better, and I guarantee this meal will be a hit with everyone, regardless of age.
Belle’s Best Sloppy Joes
½ cup finely chopped onion
1/2 bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup water, optional, or added to desired consistency
4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Combine Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and tomato sauce in a bowl. Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and cook the meat, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper, and add the diced peppers and onion. Cook another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender, and the ground beef is browned. Add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly. Add in the sauce and bring to a light boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes or until thickened to your liking. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and add water if you prefer a looser consistency. Serve on toasted buns.
