Sloppy Joes in 30 Minutes: Pan-Seared Ground Beef Recipe

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in your 12 inch skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add 1 lb lean ground beef in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
2. Flip the beef and break it into fine crumbles using your spoon. Cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, but keep about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
3. Push the meat to the outer edges of the pan. Drop the diced onion and bell pepper into the center. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and slightly golden.
4. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves to the center. Stir for 1 minute until you can smell the garlic clearly. Combine everything in the pan together.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and all the dry spices.
6. Pour this mixture over the meat. Reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the sauce has thickened and clings tightly to the beef.
7. Taste the mixture now. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Note: The ketchup and Worcestershire have salt, so always taste before adding more.
8. While the sauce simmers, melt 1 tbsp butter in a separate pan. Place the 6 buns face down and toast until golden and slightly crispy.
9. Scoop a generous portion of the warm mixture onto the toasted buns.
10. Serve immediately while the buns are still warm and the meat is velvety.