Homemade Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/3 green bell pepper, minced
• 1/2 large yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 3/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks (about 5 minutes). Drain the excess fat.
3. To the same skillet, add the minced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Return the browned beef to the skillet and add the tomato paste, stirring well to combine.
6. Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce (if using).
7. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until it has thickened to your liking.
8. Remove from heat and serve over toasted buns.

Enjoy your homemade Sloppy Joes!