# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 ratio 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 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
10 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, optional
→ To Serve
15 - 4 soft hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
16 - Dill pickle slices, optional
# Direction Steps:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 3–4 minutes.
03 - Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder if using. Stir until fully incorporated.
04 - Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
05 - Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Spoon generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add pickles if desired, then cover with the bun tops. Serve immediately.
