Detroit-Style Saucy Beef Subs

1. Prepare the Sauce

Combine the ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dry mustard, granulated garlic, chili powder, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat while whisking constantly. Continue cooking for about 3 minutes until you notice a slight thickening, then set it aside.

2. Preheat the Oven

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Cook the Beef and Onions

Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it is just smoking. Add the ground beef, thinly sliced onion, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.75 teaspoon of table salt. Cook the mixture, breaking the meat into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the liquid has evaporated and the meat starts sizzling.

4. Combine Beef with Sauce

Add 1 cup of your prepared sauce to the skillet with the beef mixture and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 minute until you notice slight thickening.

5. Assemble and Bake Sandwiches

Place the sub rolls on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide the meat mixture among the roll bottoms and top each sandwich with 2 slices of American cheese. Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the rolls are warmed through.

6. Serve the Sandwiches

Divide the remaining sauce among the sandwiches, folding the roll tops over the meat. Serve immediately.