Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper, finely diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 5 lb Lean Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or Sea)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup (High-quality)
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce (or Passata)
  • 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp packed Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 cup Water or Low Sodium Beef Stock
  • 6 Brioche Buns or Sesame Seed Buns, split
  • 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  2. Sauté: Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until softened and the onions are translucent. This is crucial for sweetness.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly—this intensifies its flavour.
  4. Add Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet.
  5. Break Up and Brown: Break the meat up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
  6. Season and Drain: Season the browned beef with salt and pepper. Crucially, tilt the pan and drain off any excess accumulated fat. Discard the fat responsibly.
  7. Combine Wet Ingredients: Reduce the heat back to medium-low. Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
  8. Add Dry Seasoning: Stir in the dried oregano and the cocoa powder.
  9. Add Liquid: Pour in the water or beef stock. Stir everything together until well combined and the sauce is uniform.
  10. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it bubble slowly for 20 minutes. This allows the flavours to properly marry and the mixture to thicken nicely.
  11. Prepare Buns: While the Sloppy Joes are simmering, lightly butter the cut sides of the buns.
  12. Toast: Place the buns cut-side down in a separate dry pan or under the grill/broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and toasted. This provides structural integrity.
  13. Serve: Spoon a generous helping of the piping hot Sloppy Joe mix onto the toasted bottom bun. Top with the lid and serve immediately.