# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp ketchup
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tsp yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
13 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
→ To Serve
15 - 4 soft hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
16 - Dill pickle slices (optional)
# Steps:
01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using).
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with pickles if desired, then cover with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately.
