Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and green pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes aromatic.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Once the beef is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the tomato puree, ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is combined.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully and create the perfect sloppy joe filling.
Once the mixture is thickened and bubbling, it’s time to serve! Spoon generous amounts of the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. You can toast the buns slightly beforehand for added texture if you wish. Enjoy your All-Time Best Homemade Sloppy Joes with a side of chips or a fresh salad.
