Smash Burger Sloppy Joes (Printable)
Crispy smashed beef in tangy sauce with melty cheese on toasted buns. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1 pound (80/20 blend) ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
→ Sauce & Pan Liquids
05 - 1 tablespoon ketchup
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1/2 cup beef broth or water
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
→ Cheese & Buns
14 - 4 slices American cheese or cheddar
15 - 4 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for toasting buns
→ Optional Toppings
17 - Dill pickle chips
18 - Shredded iceberg lettuce
19 - 1 tomato, sliced
# How To Cook:
01 - Set a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and allow it to get ripping hot.
02 - Gently divide the ground beef into 4 loosely packed balls, being careful not to overwork the meat.
03 - Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet and press down firmly with a sturdy spatula to flatten into thin patties with jagged, irregular edges. Season the top with salt and pepper.
04 - Let the patties cook without disturbing for about 2 minutes until the edges turn deeply browned and crisp. Flip each patty and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.
05 - Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and a pinch of salt to the same skillet. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder if using. Mix thoroughly to combine all the seasonings with the aromatics.
07 - Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
08 - Return the smashed patties to the pan and break them apart with your spatula, folding the shredded beef into the sauce. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
09 - Lay one slice of cheese over each mound of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid briefly until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
10 - While the cheese melts, butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them in a separate skillet or on the griddle until golden brown.
11 - Spoon the hot beef and cheese mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with pickle chips, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices as desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The crispy edges from smashed beef patties bring something special to the usual sloppy joe texture
- Everything happens in one skillet, which means maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
- That moment when the cheese melts over the beef and sauce is basically pure happiness
02 -
- Do not skip the smashing step because those crispy edges are what make this special
- The sauce will look thick before adding the broth but that is exactly right
- A metal spatula works best for smashing but be gentle with your pan surface
03 -
- Warm your buns in the oven while the beef simmers so everything comes together at the same time
- Have everything chopped before you start cooking because this moves fast once the beef hits the pan