Recipe: Easy Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 8 hamburger buns, slit open and toasted

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add beef and cook, breaking it into large pieces, until browned and cooked through; approximately 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Return the pan to medium-high heat. Add onion, pepper, and garlic and cook until softened, 6-8 minutes. Reduce the heat slightly; add the spices and cook until fragrant; about 1 minute.
3. Add the liquids and return the beef to the pan. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar and mustard. Stir to combine. Return the reserved beef to the pan.
4. Mash the beef with a potato masher and mix it with the sauce.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, about 15 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper as needed. To serve, spoon onto the toasted buns.

Yield: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 min

Cook time: 25 min

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