Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4-5 dill pickle rounds, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried shallots
Beef
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
Sautéed Shallots
- 1 large shallot, thick sliced rings (1/4 inch)
- Avocado oil (1-2 teaspoons, optional, depending on beef fat content)
Bowl Ingredients
- 6 cups iceberg lettuce or romaine, torn leaves
- 1 cup shredded American cheese
- Cherry tomatoes (quantity as desired)
- Fresh dill pickles (quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Make the burger sauce: Stir together the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, distilled white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and dried shallots until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a cast iron pan over high heat for 2-3 minutes to get nicely hot. If your ground beef is low in fat, add 1-2 teaspoons of avocado oil to the pan to prevent sticking. Place the ground beef into the hot pan and use a spatula to smash it as thin as possible to develop a good sear. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over the beef.
- Sear the beef crust: Let the beef cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes so it forms a flavorful crust. Then flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. As you cook, break the beef into bite-sized pieces. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the shallots: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the thick shallot rings to the same pan, using the beef juices left behind for flavor. Stir occasionally and cook until the shallots soften, about 4-5 minutes.
- Assemble the bowls: In large, flat bowls, layer torn lettuce leaves, the cooked ground beef, sautéed shallots, shredded American cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill pickles. Drizzle the homemade burger sauce generously on top to finish.
Notes
- Use avocado oil if your ground beef is lean to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- You can substitute romaine if you prefer a crisper texture over iceberg lettuce.
- Adjust the amount of burger sauce to your taste; it can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other toppings like diced onions or shredded cheddar cheese for variation.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb since it skips the bun, perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb