# 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 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
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)
# Directions:
01 - Place ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder if using, ensuring even distribution.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
05 - Taste the mixture and modify seasoning if necessary to balance flavors.
06 - Spoon the beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns, add pickles if desired, then top with the bun halves and serve immediately.
