Sloppy Joes

Kids big and small love sloppy joes.  I discovered this recipe a few years ago and will never go back to the canned stuff.  This makes a great weeknight meal because it's quick and easy.

Sloppy Joes

Adapted from this recipe on Allrecipes.com

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 - 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper 
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp. yellow mustard
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 3 tsp. brown sugar
• salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the beef, onion and bell pepper.  Drain off any liquid.
2. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, garlic powder and brown sugar and mix thoroughly.  Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve on hamburger buns.

Notes & Suggestions:

I usually need to add a little water to the sloppy joes while they're simmering because they tend to thicken up. If you like them really sloppy, you may want to double the sauce.

It's also great with cheese on it (as shown in the photo).  

Another variation you can try is to reduce the ketchup to 1/2 cup, omit the brown sugar and add 1/4 cup barbecue sauce.   

You can also double the recipe and freeze the extra for a quick lunch or dinner.  Fill up the cups in a muffin pan and freeze.  Once frozen, pop them out and store them in a Ziploc in the freezer.  Each one is a perfect single serving.