Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Pickle Relish
  • 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tsp White Wine Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar or sweetener (optional)
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To taste
  • 5 lbs Ground Beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1/2 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 large head Iceberg Lettuce, shredded or roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Dill Pickles, finely chopped
  • 1 medium Tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion, very thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Make the Special Sauce: In a whisking bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper until completely smooth and emulsified.
  2. Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasonings as necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add a teaspoon of pickle brine.
  3. Chill: Cover the sauce and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon.
  5. Seasoning: Halfway through cooking (about 3-4 minutes), add the diced yellow onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook until the onion is translucent and the beef is completely cooked through (no pink remaining, approximately 6-8 minutes total).
  6. Drain Fat: Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to a colander to drain off any excess fat. Set aside, keeping warm.
  7. Assembly: In a large mixing bowl, spread out the shredded iceberg lettuce. Distribute the diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped dill pickles evenly over the lettuce. Top with the shredded cheese.
  8. Finish and Serve: Gently spoon the warm, seasoned ground beef mixture directly over the salad base. Drizzle generous amounts of the chilled Special Sauce over the top, and sprinkle with optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately.