Soft hamburger buns work best with these kid-friendly sandwiches. Serve with pickles or potato chips.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　1 tablespoon canola oil

　　1 medium onion, finely chopped

　　1/2 green bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped

　　1 celery stalk, finely chopped

　　2 garlic cloves, minced

　　Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

　　1 pound ground beef

　　1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

　　1/4 cup ketchup

　　1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

　　4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

　　

Step 1

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Stir the tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce into the beef mixture in the skillet. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Season the mixture with more salt and pepper, as desired. Spoon onto the buns, and serve immediately.

　　

planning ahead

Step 5

Sloppy Joe mixture keeps in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freeze individual portions, then defrost as needed.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.