Sloppy Joe Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/3 green bell pepper, minced
• 1/2 large yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks, which should take about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the minced onion and green bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they become soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant. Return the browned beef to the skillet and add the tomato paste. Stir everything well.
3. Now, add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking. Remove it from the heat and serve it over toasted buns.

Enjoy your delicious Sloppy Joe Sandwich!