Sausage Beef Recipe

Prep

Finely dice the onion and bell pepper if using. Mince the garlic. Measure out tomato paste, spices, and liquids so they're ready.

Heat pan

Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and warm until shimmering, about 30 seconds.

Cook aromatics

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the hot pan. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, about 4–6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Brown the meats

Crumble in the ground beef and the pork sausage. Use a spatula to break up the meat and spread it across the pan so it browns rather than steams. Cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and the meat has some browned bits, about 7–9 minutes. Spoon off and discard excess fat if more than 2 tablespoons remain.

Build the sauce

Push the meat mixture to the side and add the tomato paste to the center of the pan. Cook the paste 1 minute while stirring to deepen the flavor. Stir the paste into the meat and vegetables. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

Season and simmer

Sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat as desired.

If the mixture is too thin, increase heat to medium and cook an additional 2–3 minutes to thicken. If you want a creamier finish, stir in shredded cheddar off heat until melted. Stir in chopped parsley and, if using, a teaspoon of hot sauce for extra heat. Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes.

Serve warm over rice, pasta, baked potatoes, in buns as a sloppy joe-style sandwich, or alongside vegetables. Garnish with additional parsley or cheese as desired.