Grilled Burgers with Special Sauce

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 12 min cook

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 burger buns
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 1 large tomato
• 1/2 red onion
• 12 dill pickle slices

Instructions

1. 1In a mixing bowl, gently break up the ground beef with your hands and season it evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Divide into four equal portions and form loose patties about ¾ inch thick, pressing a shallow thumb dimple in the center of each so they cook flat.
2. 2Stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth. Cover and chill the special sauce while you heat the grill.
3. 3Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 450°F on the grates. Clean and lightly oil the grates so the burgers release cleanly.
4. 4Place the patties on the hot grates and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until deep brown grill marks form and the edges look set. Flip once and cook another 3 to 4 minutes for medium, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F in the center.
5. 5During the last minute of cooking, split the buns, brush the cut sides with butter, and toast them cut-side down on the cooler edge of the grill until golden and lightly crisp.
6. 6Transfer the cooked burgers to a clean plate and let them rest 2 minutes so juices redistribute. Slice the tomato and red onion into thin rounds while they rest.
7. 7Spread a generous spoonful of special sauce on both cut sides of each toasted bun. Layer lettuce, a hot patty, tomato, onion, and pickle slices, then cap with the top bun.
8. 8Serve immediately while the burgers are still juicy and the buns are warm. Offer extra sauce on the side for dipping fries or more topping.