Open-Faced Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

Open-Faced Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 thick slices of bread (French bread or Texas toast works well)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Meat:**
– In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

2. **Add Vegetables:**
– Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

3. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Mix well to combine.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened.

4. **Prepare the Bread:**
– While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are slightly crispy.

5. **Assemble the Sandwiches:**
– Spoon the meat mixture generously over each slice of toasted bread.
– Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat mixture.

6. **Bake the Sandwiches:**
– Place the sandwiches back in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. **Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
– Serve the open-faced sloppy joe sandwiches hot.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal! Let me know if you need more recipes or have any other requests.