Smash Burger Sloppy Joes (Print version)

Smashed beef in tangy sauce with melted cheese on toasted buns. Ready in 35 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meat & Base

01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
02 - 1 tablespoon 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 tablespoons yellow mustard
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Salt to taste

→ For Serving

13 - 4 hamburger buns, toasted
14 - 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
15 - Sliced tomato (optional)
16 - Shredded lettuce (optional)
17 - Butter for toasting buns

# How To Make It:

01 - Set a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and allow it to fully melt across the cooking surface.
02 - Add the ground beef to the skillet, spreading it into an even layer. Press down firmly with a spatula to achieve a thin smash burger crust. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep golden-brown sear forms, then break the meat apart into crumbles.
03 - Stir in the finely diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking 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 thickened to a rich, saucy consistency.
05 - While the beef mixture simmers, butter the cut sides of each hamburger bun. Place them on a pan or griddle over medium heat and toast until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
06 - Lay a slice of cheese over the hot beef mixture in the skillet. Allow the residual heat to soften and partially melt the cheese, then remove the skillet from heat.
07 - Spoon a generous portion of the cheesy beef mixture 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 Advice:

01 -
  • The smash technique creates crispy, caramelized bits of beef that a regular sloppy joe never dreams of having.
  • Everything cooks in one pan, which means cleanup is almost nonexistent.
  • It takes barely half an hour from stove to table, making it perfect for chaotic weeknights.
02 -
  • Do not skip the step of pressing the beef flat and leaving it alone because that undisturbed sear is what creates the crispy bits that make this special.
  • If your sauce seems too thin after 7 minutes, just keep simmering because it thickens fast once the water cooks off.
03 -
  • Use a heavy spatula or even a second pan to press the beef flat because more pressure means more surface contact and a better crust.
  • Letting the assembled sandwich sit for one minute before eating helps the cheese set slightly and keeps the filling from sliding right out.

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