Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 2

Add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your liking. If the mixture gets too thick, add a little more water to loosen it up. If it's too thin, let it simmer a little longer uncovered. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4

If desired, toast the hamburger buns. Place a slice of cheese on the bottom of each bun. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns, dividing evenly.