Smash Burger Sloppy Joes (Printable)
Smashed ground beef in tangy sauce with melted cheese on toasted buns. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat & Main
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
→ To Serve
13 - 4 hamburger buns, toasted
14 - 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
15 - Sliced tomato, shredded lettuce (optional)
16 - Butter for toasting buns
# Directions:
01 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely 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 - Stir in the chopped dill pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and saucy.
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 soften and melt slightly. Remove the skillet from heat.
07 - Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add 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 you chase at diners, wrapped into a sloppy, saucy sandwich you can eat over the sink.
- It reheats beautifully the next day, which means you should absolutely make extra.
02 -
- Do not stir the beef right away when it hits the pan, that patience is what creates the crispy smashed crust that makes this special.
- A splash of pickle juice stirred into the sauce at the end is a total game changer for that authentic burger flavor.
03 -
- Use a heavy spatula and really lean your weight into pressing the beef flat, thin contact with the hot pan is what creates that signature smash burger crust.
- Let the sauce reduce until it barely coats the back of a spoon, too loose and it soaks through the bun before you finish chewing.