Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles, and cook until browned and liquid has evaporated. Note: Don't rush this; the browning is where the flavor lives.
  2. Add diced onions and garlic to the beef and sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant. Note: The beef fat will help the onions soften beautifully.
  3. Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Lower heat to medium low.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy. Note: Stir occasionally so the bottom doesn't scorch.
  5. Spread butter on the cut side of the hamburger buns.
  6. Toast buns in a separate pan or under a broiler for 60-90 seconds until golden brown.
  7. Spoon the beef mixture onto the toasted buns.
  8. Serve immediately while the buns are still warm and crisp.