Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, diced pickles, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Add the ground beef and cook until deeply browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Avoid stirring constantly so the beef develops better browning and flavor.
- Stir in the Okie Rub, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the beef is glossy and fully seasoned.
- Divide the chopped romaine lettuce between serving bowls. Top with the cheeseburger meat, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, sliced pickles, and red onion.
- Drizzle generously with burger sauce and finish with any optional toppings before serving.
Video
Notes
- Best Beef: Lean ground beef works best for a balance of flavor and texture, but you can use any ground beef you prefer.
- Okie Rub Substitute: If you do not have The Spice Girl Kitchen Okie Rub, substitute with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of brown sugar (optional, my Okie Rub is sugar free!) for a similar smoky burger flavor.
- Meal Prep: Store the beef, toppings, and burger sauce separately until ready to serve for the best texture.
- Storage: Store leftover beef and burger sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Low Carb Option: Skip the fries and use a low sugar ketchup in the burger sauce if desired.
- Serving Idea: Add crispy fries on top for full burger basket vibes.
- Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings): approximately 520 calories, 36g fat, 12g carbs, 34g protein, 3g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.