Smash Burger Sloppy Joes (Print View)

Crispy smashed beef crumbled into tangy sauce with melty cheese on toasted buns. Ready in 35 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Meat & Protein

01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

→ Vegetables & Flavor Base

02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
05 - 1 tablespoon ketchup
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1/2 cup beef broth or water

→ Spices & Condiments

09 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon 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 Make It:

01 - Set a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and allow it to get thoroughly 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 metal spatula to flatten into thin patties with rough, irregular edges. Season the top side with salt and pepper.
04 - Let the patties sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
05 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and a pinch of salt to the same skillet. Sauté until the vegetables have softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 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 vegetables.
07 - Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
08 - Return the smashed beef patties to the skillet. Break them up with the spatula and stir into the sauce. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture has slightly thickened.
09 - Lay 1 slice of cheese over each mound of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
10 - While the cheese melts, spread butter on the cut sides of each hamburger bun. Toast in a separate skillet or on the griddle until golden brown.
11 - Spoon a generous portion of the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with dill pickle chips, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices as desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get those irresistible crispy edges from smash burgers combined with the nostalgic saucy comfort of sloppy joes
  • The whole family can customize their own toppings while you do the heavy lifting of getting everything to the table in under 40 minutes
  • Melting cheese directly over the beef mixture creates these incredible cheesy pockets that make every bite different from the last
02 -
  • The smashing technique is what creates those crispy edges, so don't be afraid to press down firmly
  • Let the pan get good and hot before adding the beef, otherwise you'll steam instead of sear
  • The sauce will seem thick at first but will loosen up as the beef releases its juices
03 -
  • A metal spatula works best for smashing because it's thin and gets nice and hot, helping create those crispy edges
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add more broth one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency

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