Sloppy-sloppy Joe Recipe

Prep vegetables

Finely dice the yellow onion and green bell pepper so they total about 1 1/2 cups combined. Mince the garlic and set aside.

Cook aromatics and beef

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and pepper softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the vegetables to the side, add the ground beef to the skillet, break it up with a spatula, and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.

Drain excess fat if necessary: tilt the pan and spoon off or carefully drain most of the fat, leaving a tablespoon for flavor.

Combine sauce ingredients

Reduce heat to medium. Stir the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar into the cooked beef and vegetables until evenly distributed.

Thin and season

Add 1/2 cup beef broth (or water) to loosen the mixture. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning — add up to another 1/4 teaspoon salt or a pinch of sugar if you prefer sweeter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Simmer

Let the mixture simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the beef, about 8–10 minutes. If mixture becomes too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons more broth. If too thin, simmer a few minutes longer.

Toast buns (optional)

If toasting, spread a light layer of softened butter on cut sides of the buns. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and toast the buns cut-side down until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Assemble

Spoon generous portions of the Sloppy-Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. If using, top with shredded cheddar and pickles. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Leftovers: Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave until heated through.