Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend)
- 1 medium (150g) yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 medium (120g) green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves (15g) garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup (180ml) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) yellow mustard
- 1 tsp (5g) chili powder
- 1/2 tsp (3g) smoked paprika
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 8 brioche or hamburger buns
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, then drain the excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet for the last 3 minutes of cooking to soften.
- Transfer the meat and aromatics into the slow cooker.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, and smoked paprika until the meat is fully coated.
- Cover with the lid and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, black pepper, or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for added acidity.
- Butter the inside of the buns and sear them in a pan for 60 seconds until golden brown.
- Spoon the meat mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.