The Crazy Sista Burger Recipe

Form Patties

Place the 1 lb ground beef in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — avoid overworking. Divide the meat into two equal portions and shape into 2 patties about 3/4 inch thick and slightly larger than the buns (they will shrink while cooking). Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook flat.

Cook Patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat and brush with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When very hot, place patties in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last 60 seconds of cooking, place 1 slice of American cheese on each patty, cover the pan for 30–60 seconds to melt.

While the patties are cooking, make the sauce. In a small bowl combine 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate briefly until ready to assemble. Taste and adjust hot sauce or vinegar to preference.

Cook Bacon

In a separate skillet over medium heat, add the 4 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Prepare Vegetables

Thinly slice red onion into rings (about 1/4 cup), slice the tomato into 2 slices, wash and dry 2 leaves of lettuce, and have 6 dill pickle slices ready.

Split the 2 brioche buns and spread 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on each cut side. Toast buttered cut sides in a skillet over medium heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Optionally sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds on the top bun while toasting.

Assemble the Crazy Sista Burger: Spread half of the Crazy Sista Sauce on the top bun and a thin smear on the bottom bun. Place a leaf of lettuce on the bottom bun, then the cheesy beef patty. Top the patty with two slices of bacon, red onion rings, 3 pickle slices, and a tomato slice. Add the top bun and press gently to compact.

Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side if desired.