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**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Ground Beef**:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. **Sauté Vegetables**:
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan with the beef. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
3. **Prepare the Sauce**:
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. **Simmer**:
Let the sloppy joe mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure the flavors meld together.
5. **Season to Taste**:
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like it a little sweeter, add more brown sugar; if you prefer it tangier, add more mustard or Worcestershire sauce.
6. **Toast the Buns**:
While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or under the broiler until golden brown. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy when you load them up with the sloppy joe mixture.
7. **Assemble the Sloppy Joes**:
Once everything is ready, spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with any additional toppings like shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw, if desired. Place the top bun on and serve hot!
**Tips for the Best Homemade Sloppy Joes**:
– **Make it a little spicy**: If you like a kick, add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even a few jalapeño slices to the mix.
– **Use ground turkey or chicken**: For a leaner alternative, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
– **Double the recipe**: Sloppy Joes are perfect for leftovers, so don’t hesitate to double the recipe and enjoy them again the next day.
– **Freezing Tip**: The sloppy joe filling freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.
**Conclusion: A Recipe You’ll Keep Coming Back To**
This **Homemade Sloppy Joes** recipe is one that you’ll want to keep on hand forever. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying—making it the perfect dish for any time of year. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a party, or simply craving a comforting meal, these sloppy joes will always hit the spot.
So, don’t lose this recipe! It’s destined to become a favorite in your home, and you’ll find yourself making it time and time again. Enjoy every messy, delicious bite!
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