Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until the beef is browned and slightly crisp at the edges.
  2. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
  5. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns a deep, glossy mahogany color.
  7. While the meat simmers, spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns. Place buns face-down in a separate pan over medium heat until golden brown.