Copycat Manwich

I asked ChatGPT: Do you have a copycat recipe for a Manwich?

Absolutely! Here’s a copycat Manwich (Sloppy Joe Sauce) recipe that tastes just like the classic canned version — maybe even better:

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🍔 Homemade Manwich Copycat Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (if your meat is lean)
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional for a bit of kick)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for mild heat)

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Instructions

1. Cook the meat:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add the aromatics:
   Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.

3. Add the sauce ingredients:
   Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and seasonings.

4. Simmer:
   Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.

5. Serve:
   Spoon the mixture onto toasted hamburger buns or sandwich rolls.

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🧑‍🍳 Optional Tweaks

• Sweeter: Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or a squirt of BBQ sauce.
• Tangier: Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
• Chunkier: Add a few tablespoons of finely diced tomatoes or a spoonful of tomato relish.

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