Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (approx. ½ cup)
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
- ½ cup ketchup (approx. 120 ml)
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (50g)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (5 ml)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 ml)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder (1.25 ml)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in diced green bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. (Visual Cue: Sauce will thicken slightly).
- Spoon the manwich sauce onto hamburger buns and serve immediately.