Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 0.5 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 0.75 cup prepared salsa
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Instructions:

  1. Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into very small crumbles, until deep mahogany brown and crispy.
  2. Add the diced onions and green peppers to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened.
  3. Carefully drain all but 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat from the skillet.
  4. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the ketchup, salsa, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
  5. Simmer the mixture for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and heavily coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top and allow it to melt completely before serving. Add optional pickled jalapeños if desired.