# What You Need:
→ 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)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Incorporate tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if used). Stir well to combine.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
05 - Taste the mixture and adjust salt or spices as desired.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of toasted hamburger buns. Top with pickles if preferred, then cover with the bun tops. Serve immediately.
