Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  
• 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
  
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
  
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
  
• 1 small green bell pepper
  
• 4 ounces mushrooms, chopped
  
• 1 pound lean ground beef
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
  
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning (see note)
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  
• 6 hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Set up the broiler.
   Turn it on so it’s ready when you need to melt the cheese.
2. Mix the thickener.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and beef broth. Keep it nearby.
3. Cook the vegetables and beef.
   Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and chopped mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes, just until the vegetables soften.
   Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and continue sautéing until no pink remains, roughly 3 minutes more. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Build the flavor.
   Stir in the garlic and let it cook briefly until fragrant. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Thicken the mixture.
   Give the broth-cornstarch mixture a quick stir and pour it into the pan. Let everything simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Finish the sandwiches.
   Spoon the beef mixture onto hamburger buns. Top each one with about 1/4 cup of cheese and place the sandwiches under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese—watch closely so they don’t burn.
   If you prefer, you can mix the cheese directly into the skillet instead of broiling.
7. Serve.
   Enjoy the sloppy joes warm, ideally with chips or your favorite sides.

• About the taco seasoning:
  It may seem unexpected, but it adds depth and warmth to the filling. It doesn’t make the dish taste like tacos—just enhances the overall flavor.
• Protein swaps:
  Ground turkey or chicken work as substitutes for beef. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth in place of beef broth if needed.
• Add some spice:
  Chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes will bring heat if you want a spicier version.