A flavorful and easy-to-make Sloppy Joe recipe that brings a homemade touch to a classic favorite.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Use a lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, and drain any fat if necessary.
While the beef is cooking, finely chop the red and green bell peppers using a food processor.
Chopping the peppers finely ensures they blend well into the sauce.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, light corn syrup, distilled white vinegar, cornstarch, chili powder, salt, Worcestershire sauce, ground allspice, ground cloves, garlic powder, and white pepper.
Mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth consistency.
Transfer the sauce mixture to a saucepan, add the chopped bell peppers and bay leaf, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
Combine the cooked ground beef with the sauce in the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste.
Toast the hamburger buns in a skillet until lightly browned. Spoon the beef mixture onto the buns and serve.
Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.