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Searching for a quick kid-friendly/comfort food sort of meal? Look no further! Sloppy Joes have always been a favorite of mine, but the “from the can” versions just weren’t as good as I remembered them. This is a really simple recipe that uses a lot of ingredients found already in the pantry! (Bonus!)
To zip up the classic recipe, try adding just a dash of cayenne pepper. I highly recommend this addition as it gives the recipe that something “special” that will leave friends, family, and guests wondering how it tastes so good! 🙂

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Instructions:

1.) Start by chopping your onion and green pepper into little chunks. Place in a deep frying pan.

 

 

2.) Plop your ground beef into the pan with the chopped veggies. DO NOT add your spices yet! We’re going to drain off the fat in a future step, and you don’t want all your delicious seasonings to go with it!

 

 

3.) Saute, stirring frequently and breaking up the ground beef into smaller chunks as you go. When the meat is browned and cooked all the way through and your veggies are tender, we’re ready for the next step!

 

 

4.) Using a strainer, drain the fat from the meat and veggies. Careful! It will be hot and throw up a lot of steam. After you drain away most of the liquid, return everything to the same frying pan.

 

 

5.) Open your can of tomato paste and measure out 3/4 of a cup of ketchup. Add these to the frying pan with the meat.

 

 

6.) Turn your heat back on to low. Stir the ground beef and veggie mixture so everything is evenly combined. The mixture is going to be thick so we’re going to add the remaining ingredients in stages. This will also allow the flavors to mix better as they’ll have a chance to simmer into the mixture between additions.

 

 

7.) Start adding your spices at this point. Sprinkle in sea salt and black pepper to taste. Normally people know how much salt and pepper they personally like in food, so add that amount as appropriate. Start slow, as you can always taste test and add more later! Also add in your garlic powder (and cayenne pepper if using) now.

 

 

8.) Measure out your brown sugar and yellow mustard. Add these to your frying pan last. Stir thoroughly and don’t forget to taste and add more sea salt or black pepper if needed!

 

 

9.) Simmer a few moments longer to allow the flavors to incorporate throughout. If necessary, do one more taste check to see if the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper levels are on point. To serve, scoop onto hamburger buns either open-faced, or sandwiched between bread.

 

 

Enjoy!