Homemade Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds extra-lean ground beef
• ½ onion , diced
• 1 green pepper , diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 cups water , divided
• 0.75 cups ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1.5 teaspoons salt , or to taste
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper , or to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Place ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbled, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in green pepper and garlic; cook and stir until softened, 2 to 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Add 1 cup water and stir, scraping the pan to dissolve any brown flavor bits from the bottom of the skillet.

5. 5

   Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

6. 6

   Add remaining 1 cup water and bring mixture to a boil.

7. 7

   Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated and mixture is thick, about 40 minutes.

8. 8

   Season with salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper. Serve and enjoy!