Smash Burger Sloppy Joes (Printable Format)
Crispy smashed beef crumbled into tangy sauce with melty cheese on toasted buns. Bold American comfort food.
# What You Need:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 blend
→ 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 tbsp ketchup
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1/2 cup beef broth or water
→ Spices & Condiments
09 - 1 tsp yellow mustard
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
→ Cheese & Buns
14 - 4 slices American cheese or cheddar
15 - 4 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
16 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for toasting buns
→ Toppings (Optional)
17 - Dill pickle chips
18 - Shredded iceberg lettuce
19 - 1 tomato, sliced
# How-To Steps:
01 - Place a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and allow it to get fully hot, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
02 - Divide the ground beef into 4 loosely packed balls. Avoid overworking the meat to keep it tender.
03 - Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet. Press each one firmly with a sturdy metal spatula to form thin patties with rough, jagged edges. Season the top side with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the edges turn deeply browned and crispy.
04 - Flip each patty and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the second side. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
05 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and a pinch of salt to the same skillet. Sauté until the vegetables have softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir 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 vegetables.
07 - Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
08 - Return the smashed beef patties to the skillet. Break them up into bite-size pieces using your spatula and stir everything together. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef evenly.
09 - Lay 1 slice of cheese over each mound of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for about 30 seconds to allow the cheese to melt completely.
10 - While the cheese melts, spread butter on the cut sides of each hamburger bun. Toast them in a separate skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
11 - Spoon the hot cheesy beef mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with dill pickle chips, shredded lettuce, and sliced tomato as desired. Place the top bun on each and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The crispy smashed beef edges mixed into a tangy, saucy filling give you the best of both a burger and a sloppy joe in every single bite.
- It all comes together in one skillet in under 35 minutes, which means you get maximum comfort food payoff with minimal cleanup on busy nights.
02 -
- Do not skip preheating the skillet, because a cold pan will steam the beef instead of searing it and you will lose that magical crispy edge entirely.
- Resist the urge to stir the patties while they cook, since the crispiness only forms when the meat sits undisturbed against the hot metal surface.
03 -
- Use a metal spatula rather than a silicone one for smashing, because the rigid edge presses the beef flat and creates those lacy, crispy edges that make this dish special.
- Toast the buns in butter right before serving so they form a protective barrier that keeps the bread from dissolving under the saucy beef.