The Best Sloppy Joes Recipe without Ketchup

Step 1

Use a 12-inch skillet on medium-low heat and add the olive oil and onion and pepper. Sweat the vegetables 3 or 4 minutes to soften, stirring to keep from browning.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook until all the beef has browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to remove any residual liquid from the beef.

Step 3

Stir in the brown sugar and steak seasoning and mix until well combined. Then, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar and mix well. Turn down the heat to a simmer and let the sauce thicken for 4 or 5 minutes. Taste and add more brown sugar, salt, or pepper if desired.

Step 4

While the sauce simmers, lightly butter the buns and toast them on the stovetop in a hot griddle or skillet.

Step 5

Serve the sloppy joes hot with your choice of topping.