For the Sauce

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup*
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ tsp yellow mustard (or to taste)
• 2–3 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)*

For the Sloppy Joes

• 1 Tbsp light olive oil (or any high-heat oil)
• 1 lb lean ground beef (85–90% lean)
• ½ tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ small green bell pepper, finely diced (or substitute ½ cup grated carrot)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 hamburger buns, toasted if desired

1. Make the Sauce
   In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
   Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
   Drain excess fat if necessary, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the Vegetables
   Stir in onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
   Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more, until fragrant.
4. Combine & Simmer
   Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a light boil.
   Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until thickened to your liking.
   Taste and adjust seasonings as needed — add a splash of water for a looser consistency if desired.
5. Serve
   Spoon the mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve warm with pickles and chips.

Tasting & Adjustment Guide

• Too sweet? Add a pinch of salt or ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
• Too tangy? Add ½ tsp brown sugar or a drizzle of ketchup
• Too tomato-forward? Simmer 5 extra minutes to deepen flavor
• Missing depth? Add a bit more Worcestershire sauce
• Too loose? Simmer uncovered 3–5 minutes longer
• Too thick? Add a splash of water

• Why ketchup? Adds brightness, acidity, and a touch of sweetness that enhances the sauce.
• Adjust sweetness: Start with 2 tsp brown sugar and increase to taste depending on your ketchup.

Nutrition