Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 6 brioche buns
  • 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)

Instructions:

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small, uniform crumbles. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the beef is fully browned. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the liquid fat from the pan.
  3. Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer the mixture uncovered for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to reduce into a thick, syrupy glaze that coats the beef fibers.
  5. While the sauce simmers, split the buns and spread with the remaining butter. Toast in a separate pan or under the broiler until golden brown.
  6. Season the beef mixture with sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Spoon a generous portion onto each toasted bun and serve immediately.