Ingredients:

  • 5 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean)
  • 1 Tbsp Neutral Cooking Oil (e.g., Rapeseed/Canola)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 4 slices Sharp Cheddar or American Cheese Slices
  • 1/2 cup Full-fat Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp American Mustard (or Dijon)
  • 1 Tbsp Dill Pickle Relish (or finely diced pickles)
  • 1 tsp White Wine Vinegar
  • 8 oz Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce
  • 2 medium Beefsteak Tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 small Red Onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Dill Pickles, sliced or diced

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and white wine vinegar. Whisk until smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust seasoning (a pinch of salt if needed). Place in the refrigerator to chill while prepping.
  2. Prep the Base: Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce. Shred or roughly chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the tomatoes and slice the red onion and pickles.
  3. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the lettuce equally among the four serving bowls. Distribute the chopped tomatoes, onions, and pickles evenly around the lettuce base. Set aside.
  4. Heat the Pan: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil. Once the oil shimmers, the pan is ready.
  5. Season the Beef: Lightly break up the ground beef in a bowl, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Sear the Beef: Add the seasoned beef to the hot pan. Do not stir immediately. Allow the beef to sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a deep brown crust (the 'smash' effect).
  7. Crumble and Finish: Break the beef up with a spatula and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
  8. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Lay the four slices of cheese over the meat crumble. Cover the pan with a lid (or foil) for 30–60 seconds, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey.
  9. Transfer the Meat: Carefully spoon the cheesy burger crumble mixture over the vegetable base in each of the four bowls.
  10. Sauce and Serve: Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of the chilled Secret Sauce over the meat and toppings in each bowl. Serve immediately while the meat is still piping hot.