Homemade Big Macs

I figured some of you might be getting sick of my vegetarian recipes and want one with some meat.   Ask and you shall receive.  I posted this picture on Instagram and got an overwhelming response of people wanting the recipe.  This recipe is so easy- well it was easy for me because Matt did all the prep work and cooking.  These burgers were magical, maybe because I hadn't had red meat in two weeks but either way they were good.

A few notes we were lazy and used 1000 Island Dressing instead of making our own Special Sauce. We decided at about 5 that night to make the Big Macs and that didn't give us enough time to let the Special Sauce sit for hours.   It was good with 1000 Island but I imagine it is even better with the homemade sauce, I included the recipe below.   We tried to cut and recreate everything else just like McDonalds.  Finely diced onion and Shredded Iceberg lettuce are key.  As for pickles we found all the pre-sliced jarred kinds tasted processed and funny so we bought the Boars Head Pickle Halves and then sliced them ourselves as thinly as we could, they worked out perfectly.

Take a close look at the picture below that is my stomach poking over the counter:)

|| H O M E M A D E  B I G  M A C S ||

1-2 Pounds Ground Beef (80/20)
1/2 white onion diced
sliced pickles (we used Boars Head Pickle Halves and thinly sliced them)
shredded iceberg lettuce
American Cheese
Sesame Seed Buns
1000 Island Dressing or Special Sauce (recipe below)

Shape meat into balls then flatten into thin flat patties- 2 patties per burger.  Salt and pepper each side of the patties.  Try not to mess too much with the patties while you flatten them it will make them tough.   Lay them on parchment paper after shaping so they are easy to remove and get to grill.  Heat grill cook burgers about 10 minutes 5 on each side or until cooked thru.  Take off grill and top each patty with a slice of American Cheese.  Layer special sauce. lettuce, onions and pickles and first burger patty on bun.  Place middle bun on and repeat layer process.  Add next patty and top bun.

|| S P E C I A L   S A U C E ||
1/2  cup mayo
2 tablespoons French Dressing
4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon pepper

combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well to combine,  Place in a covered container and refrigerate overnight or at least a few hours for flavors to combine.