Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 small yellow onion, very finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 0.75 cup Thousand Island dressing
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 6 sesame seed hamburger buns
  • 6 slices American cheese
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 0.5 cup dill pickle slices
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions:

  1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lbs of ground beef and break it into small pieces. Cook 5-7 mins until no pink remains and you smell a rich, toasted aroma.
  2. Stir in the minced onion and 2 grated garlic cloves.
  3. Drain the excess grease, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan for flavor.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in your whisked sauce mixture. Add the 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 mins until the sauce is thick and velvety.
  5. In a separate pan, melt the 2 tbsp butter and toast the 6 sesame seed buns until golden and smelling like warm popcorn.
  6. Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each warm bun.
  7. Scoop a generous portion of the beef mixture over the cheese so it starts to melt.
  8. Top with the 2 cups of shredded lettuce and 0.5 cup of pickle slices, then close the bun.