My Favorite Sloppy Joes

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds (900g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion (100g), chopped
• 1 green bell pepper (150g), chopped
• 1 red bell pepper (150g), chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces/800g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces/425g) tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/2 cup (120ml) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) mustard
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper
• 8 hamburger buns or slider rolls

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2/5 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the hamburger buns or slider rolls and serve.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 sloppy joe) approximately:

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory, flavorful, and comforting American dish
• Perfect for casual gatherings or family meals
• Can be customized with various toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onions

User Comments:

• "These sloppy joes were a hit at my party! The sauce was perfectly balanced and the meat was juicy and tender."
• "I've tried many sloppy joe recipes, but this one is by far the best. The smokiness from the paprika adds a delicious depth of flavor."
• "My kids loved these sloppy joes and they were so easy to make. I served them on slider rolls for a fun and kid-friendly meal."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or beans.
• For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
• If the sauce is not thick enough, simmer for a few extra minutes or add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) to thicken.
• Serve with your favorite sides, such as potato chips, fries, or coleslaw.