- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-blended. This burger dressing adds creamy richness with the perfect balance of tang and sweetness—just like a classic burger sauce. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Burger Meat:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over high heat. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely form them into balls without compacting the meat too much. Place each portion on the hot surface and press down firmly with a spatula to “smash” them flat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and crispy edges form. Break up the cooked patties into bite-sized pieces and remove from heat. The goal is juicy, slightly caramelized meat with a rich, seared flavor.
3. Assemble the Bowls:
In four serving bowls, start with a base of chopped lettuce. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, and diced avocado (if using) neatly around the bowl for color and texture contrast. This setup ensures every bite has a mix of freshness and flavor.
