Smash Burger Sloppy Joes (Printer-friendly)
Juicy smashed ground beef in a tangy, cheesy sauce served on toasted buns for a crave-worthy family dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Meat & Base
01 - 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 blend preferred
02 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
→ Sauce & Seasonings
06 - 1/2 cup ketchup
07 - 2 tbsp yellow mustard
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - Salt to taste
→ For Serving
13 - 4 hamburger buns
14 - 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
15 - Sliced tomato, shredded lettuce (optional)
16 - Butter for toasting buns
# How to Make It:
01 - Set a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and allow it to fully melt across the cooking surface.
02 - Add the ground beef to the skillet and spread it out evenly. Press down firmly with a spatula to create a thin smash burger crust. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep brown sear forms, then break the meat apart into crumbles.
03 - Add the finely diced onion to the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the chopped dill pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a rich, saucy consistency.
05 - While the meat mixture simmers, butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them on a separate pan or griddle until golden brown and crisp.
06 - Lay the cheese slices directly over the hot beef mixture and allow them to melt slightly from the residual heat, then remove the skillet from the burner.
07 - Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with sliced tomato and shredded lettuce if desired, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That crispy smashed beef crust mixed into a saucy filling is the kind of texture contrast that makes you close your eyes when you eat it.
- It comes together in about half an hour with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry.
02 -
- Do not stir the beef immediately when it hits the pan, because that golden crust is where all the smash burger magic lives and stirring too early washes it away.
- A splash of pickle juice stirred into the sauce at the end was a happy accident in my kitchen that now gets repeated every single time.
03 -
- Use a heavy spatula and lean your weight into it when smashing the beef, because a flimsy tool will not give you that proper crust.
- Keep your buns covered with a clean towel after toasting so they stay warm and pliable without drying out before assembly.