Because We All Need Another Sloppy Joe Recipe
Smash Burger Sloppy Joes marry the seared, crispy edges of a smash burger with the saucy, comforting appeal of a Sloppy Joe. Lean ground beef is pressed into a hot skillet to develop caramelized, crispy bits, then simmered in a tangy, savory sauce made from ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, beef broth and seasonings. Pile the saucy beef onto soft hamburger buns, top with melty American cheese and your favorite burger fixings for an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.
I had planned a trip to Southern California this week for work, but a knee injury delayed the travel. All I could think about was an In-N-Out-style burger. I already have several Sloppy Joe recipes on the site, but that craving inspired a hybrid: a Smash Burger Sloppy Joe. The result was absolutely delicious.
Must Have The Crispy Bits
The secret to these Sloppy Joes is the contrast between crispy, caramelized pieces and tender crumbles. Press the ground beef into the hot pan so portions get direct contact and brown nicely. Don’t char all of the meat — you want a mix of textures: crunchy edges and softer interior bits. That pressing step is the only technique that requires attention, and it’s what gives the sandwich its smash-burger character.
Saucy and Sassy
The sauce is straightforward but bold: ketchup and mustard form the base, with Worcestershire, beef broth and a touch of pickle juice for brightness. Dried chives, onion and garlic powders, celery salt and black pepper round out the flavor. I often use Better Than Bouillon for a concentrated beef flavor, but any low-sodium beef broth works well. Simmer the meat in the sauce until it thickens and coats the beef for a rich, savory finish.
How About Some Onion?
Caramelized onions make an excellent topping. Use the same jammy onions from a favorite onion dip recipe if you have them on hand. Spoon a little of those sweet, savory onions over the finished sandwich, or spread a touch of onion dip on the bun for added depth.
American Cheese If You Please
American cheese is my go-to here because it melts smoothly and adds that classic diner feel, but any meltable sliced cheese works. Build the sandwich with your preferred toppings — pickled onions, tomato and lettuce are all great choices. For gatherings, set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own Smash Burger Sloppy Joes.
Keep It Sloppy
If you enjoy this Smash Burger Sloppy Joe, there are other Sloppy Joe variations worth trying to keep your dinner rotation interesting. Different approaches — classic, slider-sized, or even meatball-style — let you enjoy the saucy comfort of Sloppy Joes in new ways.
- Classic Sloppy Joes
- Sloppy Joe Sliders
- Sloppy Joe Meatballs
Smash Burger Sloppy Joes Recipe
These Smash Burger Sloppy Joes start with lean ground beef pressed into the skillet to get caramelized, crispy edges mixed with tender crumbles. The beef simmers in a ketchup- and mustard-based sauce with Worcestershire and pickle juice, then is piled onto soft buns with melty American cheese and classic burger toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning, or to taste
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 to 2 tablespoons dried chives, to taste
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire powder or 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- Cooking oil or butter, for the skillet
- Slider buns or hamburger buns of choice
- American cheese slices
- Shredded lettuce
- Pickles, onion, tomato, or any toppings you like
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add a little cooking oil or butter. Add the ground beef and spread it evenly in the pan. Press the meat down slightly so it makes full contact with the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed until it starts to brown and caramelize, then break it up and flip sections so the uncooked portions can develop color. Aim for a mix of crispy browned bits and tender crumbles.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat if needed and return the meat to the skillet. Season with Montreal steak seasoning to taste, remembering the sauce will add saltiness.
- In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire (powder or sauce), dried chives, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, black pepper and pickle juice. Whisk in the beef broth until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef and stir to combine. Bring to a low simmer and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- Serve on steamed or toasted buns. Top with a slice of American cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, onion, tomato, or any of your favorite toppings.