Smash Burger Sloppy Joes (Printer-Friendly)
Smash burger and sloppy joe flavors collide in a saucy, cheesy ground beef sandwich 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 and 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 melt completely 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 classic 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 - Stir in the finely diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. 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 thick, glossy, and saucy.
05 - While the meat simmers, butter the cut sides of each hamburger bun. Place them face-down on a separate pan or griddle over medium heat and toast until golden brown and crisp.
06 - Lay the cheese slices directly over the hot beef mixture. Allow the residual heat to soften and slightly 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 -
- It captures everything you crave about a diner style smash burger but wraps it in the messy, saucy comfort of a Sloppy Joe.
- The whole thing comes together in about thirty five minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
02 -
- Do not stir the beef immediately after pressing it down because that crust is where all the smash burger magic lives.
- A splash of pickle juice stirred into the sauce at the end is a revelation I discovered by accident and now refuse to skip.
03 -
- Use a heavy bottomed skillet because lightweight pans create hot spots that burn the sauce before it thickens.
- Let the assembled sandwich sit for thirty seconds before biting in so the bun soaks up just enough sauce without falling apart.