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Homemade Sloppy Joe

A quick and easy Sloppy Joe recipe bursting with flavor, topped with melty cheese and crunchy pickles, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 cup ketchup Provides sweetness and tang.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 pieces hamburger buns Consider using sweet Hawaiian rolls for a twist.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Choose your favorite cheese varieties.
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced Adds crunch and tang.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until they are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
  4. Top the meat mixture with shredded cheese, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto each hamburger bun and top with sliced pickles. Serve hot.

Notes

To make it spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Allowing the dish to simmer longer can deepen the flavor.