Servings:
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sweetener
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce, optional*
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Steps
- Add the oil to a large nonstick skillet over high heat.
- Add the beef but don’t break it apart yet. Allow a dark brown crust to develop on the bottom of the meat, about 4 minutes. This gives it a hamburger-like texture.
- Flip the beef and allow a crust to develop on the reverse side.
- Once browned, reduce heat to medium-high.
- Add the onions and break the beef apart. Allow the beef to finish cooking through.
- Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add all remaining ingredients and stir until heated through and thickened slightly. Don't let the sauce reduce too much, especially if you're going to reheat leftovers.
- Serving suggestion: Spread butter over the top and bottom of your burger buns and toast them on a griddle or large skillet prior to serving. This adds nice flavor/texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
- Serve on buns and top with cheese if desired.
