INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/3 green bell pepper, minced
1/2 large yellow onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
a dash of hot sauce (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks, for about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add the minced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they become soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet and stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it is well incorporated.

Step 3: Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine.

Step 4: Let the mixture cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the delicious Sloppy Joe filling over toasted buns.

Enjoy