Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Push vegetables to the side and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook 6–8 minutes until no pink remains and beef is nicely browned. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor.

Build the sauce

Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to a spoon-coating consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning (add a pinch more salt, sugar, or vinegar to balance sweetness and tang).

Serve

Toast burger buns or rolls if desired. Spoon 1/4 of the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun. Serve hot alongside potato salad.

Classic Potato Salad

Cook potatoes

Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart. Drain and return to the warm pot for 1–2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

Cook eggs

While potatoes cook, place eggs in a small saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and cover. Let sit 9–10 minutes for firm yolks. Transfer eggs to an ice bath, cool 5 minutes, then peel and chop coarse.

Make dressing

In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, chopped dill (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning.

Assemble

When potatoes are warm but not hot, fold them gently into the dressing so they absorb flavor without falling apart. Add chopped eggs, celery, red onion, and chopped pickles. Toss gently to combine.

Chill and serve

Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour for flavors to meld (2–4 hours preferred). Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle paprika on top as garnish. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature alongside sloppy joes.