Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 ratio)
  • 1 small yellow onion, very finely minced
  • 1 cup water or beef broth
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 6 plain white hamburger buns
  • 12 dill pickle chips
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Place the ground beef and minced onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a meat masher or potato masher to break the beef into very small, uniform crumbles as it browns.
  2. Once the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, drain off the excess grease, leaving just a small amount for moisture.
  3. Stir in the water (or broth), brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the liquid reduces and the meat is moist but not soupy.
  5. During the last 2 minutes of simmering, place the open hamburger buns face-down directly on top of the meat in the skillet and replace the lid to steam.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, scoop a generous portion of the meat mixture onto each bottom bun. Top with yellow mustard and dill pickles before closing the sandwich.