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:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, then drain the excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet for the last 3 minutes of cooking to soften.
  3. Transfer the meat and aromatics into the slow cooker.
  4. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, and smoked paprika until the meat is fully coated.
  5. Cover with the lid and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, black pepper, or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for added acidity.
  7. Butter the inside of the buns and sear them in a pan for 60 seconds until golden brown.
  8. Spoon the meat mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.