Skillet BBQ Sloppy Joes with Melty Cheddar

By Sprig Originals ✓ · cooked up in Sprig

A 30-minute weeknight sloppy joe that leans sweet and smoky instead of spicy. Ground beef simmers in a simple ketchup and barbecue sauce mix until thick and scoopable, then gets piled onto toasted buns with a slice of cheddar that melts right into the meat. Ten ingredients, one skillet, and no chopping beyond a single onion.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped or grated
• 1 1/2 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (mild, sweet style)
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt

• 6 hamburger buns, split
• 6 slices mild cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent but not browned.
2. Add the ground beef and the salt. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring, until no pink remains. Tip the skillet and spoon off all but about a tablespoon of the fat.
3. Stir in the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring now and then, for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce is thick enough to mound on a spoon rather than run off it.
4. While the meat simmers, spread the cut sides of the buns with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Toast them buttered-side down in a second skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until golden, or place under the broiler for 1 minute.
5. Lay a slice of cheddar on each toasted bun bottom. Spoon the hot beef mixture straight over the cheese, about 2/3 cup per bun, and let it sit for 30 seconds so the cheese melts.
6. Close the sandwiches and serve right away, with the extra filling in the pan for second helpings.

Chef's tips

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

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