Preheat oven to 350°F if you want to toast the buns. Place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Cook the veggies: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
1 small onion, ½ small green bell pepper, 1 tablespoon extra light olive oil
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3 teaspoon garlic
Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up until it’s no longer pink.
1 pounds lean ground beef
Season: Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and brown sugar.
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2-3 teaspoon brown sugar
Make the sauce: Add tomato paste, Worcestershire, tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Stir well and bring to a light boil.
15 ounces (1 can) tomato sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoon Tomato paste, 1 ½ teaspoon yellow mustard
Simmer uncovered on low heat for 10–15 minutes until thickened to your liking. Add a splash of water if needed.
Toast buns in the oven for 5 minutes or until golden. Brush with melted butter if desired.
some melted butter to brush the tops of the buns
Serve the sloppy joe mixture warm on toasted buns. Enjoy!
5 hamburger buns