For Sloppy Joe meat:

1. In a large sautee pan or deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. Cook until hardly any pink is visible, then add the bell pepper and green onion and continue to cook until the meat is fully browned.
2. Lower the heat to medium and add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, garlic powder (or garlic-infused olive oil), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then allow the mixture to simmer, stirring regularly, until the sauce has thickened. Taste for salt and adjust as needed.
3. Serve over your choice of optional bases (see ideas above). *In the photos, I have served the Sloppy Joe meat over fluffy white rice with roasted sweet potatoes -- For the sweet potatoes, I slice them thinly, then lightly coat in olive oil and a sprinkle of Kosher salt, then roast on a parchment-lined baker's half sheet at 400 degrees F /205 C for 30 minutes, flipping once after 20 minutes.