Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
• 2-3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste*)
• 1 tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)
• 1 lb lean ground beef (85%-90% lean)
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely diced, or use 1/2 cup grated carrot)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 5 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce - In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar, and set it aside.

2. Cook the Beef - Place a large skillet or dutch oven over medium/high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Saute the beef for about 5 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula. If you see extra fat on the bottom, tilt the pan and spoon it out or blot it up with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add vegetables - Stir in the diced peppers and onion. Cook another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender and beef is browned. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.

4. Add the sauce and bring to a light boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes or until thickened to your liking. Adjust the seasoning taste* and add water if you prefer a looser consistency. Serve on toasted buns for Sloppy Joe Sandwiches.