Sloppy joes
Beef mince simmered with onion, green pepper and a sweet, tangy tomato sauce until thick, then piled high into soft toasted buns.
Method
- 1
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and cook the onion and green pepper until soft.
- 2
Add the beef, turn the heat up and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- 3
Cook until the beef is browned all over with no pink left.
- 4
Tilt the pan and spoon off most of the fat.
- 5
Stir in the garlic, chili powder and tomato paste and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- 6
Add the ketchup, water, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and mustard and stir well.
- 7
Simmer uncovered, stirring now and then, until the sauce is thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon.
- 8
Taste and season with the salt and pepper.
- 9
Toast the buns cut side down in a dry pan or under the grill until golden.
- 10
Spoon the hot beef onto the bun bases, add the lids and serve straight away.
Notes
- If the mixture gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of water. It should be saucy but not runny.
- The filling freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Serve with dill pickles or coleslaw for something crisp and sharp alongside.
Equipment
Large frying pan, Wooden spoon, Second frying pan or grill