Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add first 3 ingredients, cook until beef is browned, stirring to crumble.
Stir in tomato sauce and next 8 ingredients (tomato sauce through black pepper), reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spoon ½ cup beef mixture over bottom half of each bun.
Cover with top halves. Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1 sandwich).