Smash Burger Sloppy Joes (Printable)
Saicy smashed ground beef with tangy pickles and melted cheese on toasted buns. Ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll 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:
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, spreading it into an even layer. Press down firmly with a spatula to achieve the signature smash burger crust. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep brown sear forms, then break the meat into smaller pieces.
03 - Stir in the finely diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the chopped 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 and saucy.
05 - While the meat simmers, butter the cut sides of each hamburger bun. Place them buttered-side down on a pan or griddle over medium heat and toast until golden brown.
06 - Lay the cheese slices directly over the hot meat mixture. Allow them to soften and 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. Add sliced tomato and shredded lettuce if desired, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It gives you all the char and savor of a diner smash burger without standing over a grill flipping individual patties.
- The sauce comes together from pantry staples you probably already have, which means this is a weeknight dinner that actually happens.
02 -
- Do not stir the beef immediately after putting it in the pan, because that crust is where all the concentrated burger flavor lives and you will lose it if you fiddle with it too soon.
- A splash of pickle juice stirred into the sauce at the end is a trick I discovered by accident that took this from good to unforgettable.
03 -
- Use a heavy spatula and really lean your weight into the beef when you smash it, because a flimsy flipper will not give you the same caramelized crust.
- Toast the buns in the same pan you cooked the meat in so they pick up all those stuck on browned bits, which is basically free flavor.