Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3/4 cup low-sugar ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 6 hamburger buns

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a cast iron skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it into large chunks, and sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a mahogany colored crust forms. Note: Don't stir too early or you'll steam the meat.
  2. Break the beef into smaller crumbles and cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat. Note: Leave about a tablespoon of fat for the vegetables.
  3. Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are translucent and soft.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Note: Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving.
  5. Pour in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, honey, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to coat the beef.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until the sauce is thick, velvety, and deep brown.
  7. Split 6 hamburger buns and lightly toast them in a pan or under a broiler until edges are golden brown.
  8. Spoon the beef mixture onto each bun and serve immediately.