Entree: United States – Mid-Atlantic – New Jersey Sloppy Joe (A sweet-and-tangy seasoned ground beef sandwich filling served on a soft hamburger bun)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 20 min

Total 30 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) ketchup
- 2 tbsp (30 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth or water
- 1 tsp (5 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 tsp (4 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, tomato paste and beef broth. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors concentrate. Stir in apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Meanwhile, butter and toast buns in a separate skillet or under the broiler until golden, if desired.
6. Spoon generous portions of the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns and serve immediately.