Melt butter, and saute onions and peppers for 3 minutes. Add ground beef and garlic. Break up beef with a meat chopper (or wooden spoon) and cook until beef is browned, about 6 minutes.
Add soup, chili sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until sloppy joes are thickened to desired consistency. Add water if needed.
Meanwhile, cut buns. Toast if desired*.
Serve on buns, along with a salad or other vegetables.
Notes
*Butter before toasting if preferred.
Break ground beef into small pieces so it’s easier to stir into the sauce.
Homemade Sloppy Joes are even more flavorful the next day! So make ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove for a quick lunch or weeknight meal.
Batch cook Sloppy Joes, cool completely, and freeze for up to 2 months.