Print

Crispy Big Mac Smash Burger Bowl Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce

crispy big mac smash burger bowl - featured image
Print Recipe

A crispy, tangy, and satisfying burger bowl inspired by the Big Mac, featuring smashed crispy beef patties, shredded lettuce, pickles, cheese, and a creamy secret sauce without the usual bun.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
  • 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 8 dill pickle slices, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside in the fridge to let flavors meld.
  2. Prep the Veggies: Shred the iceberg lettuce finely, chop the onions, and slice the pickles. Keep everything ready in separate bowls.
  3. Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Gently roll each into a loose ball without packing tightly.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but isn’t smoking.
  5. Smash and Cook the Patties: Place 4 beef balls into the hot skillet spaced apart. Using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten into thin patties about 1/4 inch thick. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.
  6. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until cooked through but still juicy. Season with salt and pepper after flipping. Remove from skillet and keep warm while cooking the rest.
  7. Assemble the Burger Bowl: Divide shredded lettuce evenly into bowls. Top each with two smashed patties, then sprinkle shredded cheese, chopped onions, and pickles over the top. Drizzle generous spoonfuls of the secret sauce all over.
  8. Optional Final Touch: Quickly broil the assembled bowls for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese slightly, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Let the secret sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Use high heat for crispy edges on patties. Season patties after flipping to keep juices locked in. Assemble bowls just before serving to keep lettuce crisp and patties crispy. For a low-carb option, skip cheese or use dairy-free alternatives. Optional broiling melts cheese but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Big Mac, smash burger, burger bowl, secret sauce, crispy burger, low-carb burger, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/crispy-big-mac-smash-burger-bowl-recipe-with-easy-secret-sauce/