Homemade Sloppy Joes

These were the tastiest sloppy joes ever.  Admittedly, making sloppy joes from scratch is a little more time consuming to make than to dump a can of Manwich into a pan, but it is oh so much better and really not all that difficult to make.  

I think it's the combination of sweet and sour that makes this recipe so good.  But it's the spiciness of the cayenne pepper that really sends it over the top!

Homemade Sloppy Joes



1 1/2 Pounds Extra Lean Ground Beef
1/2 Onion, Diced
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 Green Pepper, Diced
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Ketchup
1 Dash Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt, Or To Taste
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1 Cup Water
Cayenne Pepper To Taste 

Over medium heat, brown the green pepper in a large skillet until it starts to soften and brown a little.  

Add the garlic, onion and ground beef.  Cook and stir the mixture often until the beef is browned and forms small crumbles, about 10 minutes.

Add 1 cup water and stir, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.











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

Add an additional 1/2 cup water and return mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thick, about 40 minutes.

Season with salt , black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Serve on a bun or open face on white bread.  

Perfect with potato chips.