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Ground Round Burger with Special Sauce inspired by The Ground Round
Inspired by The Ground Round
Try the Original

Ground Round Burger with Special Sauce

Main Course
This juicy half-pound burger features premium ground beef seasoned simply to let the meat flavor shine. The beef is handled minimally to ensure a tender texture, then grilled to perfection. Served on a toasted brioche bun with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and a special sauce, this burger delivers the classic American steakhouse experience.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Inactive Time 30 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 4 whole Brioche burger buns
  • 2 tbsp Butter (Softened)
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Pickle relish
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 4 leaves Iceberg lettuce (Crisp and torn to bun size)
  • 1 large Tomato (Sliced into 4 rounds)
  • 1/2 medium Red onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 8 whole Dill pickle slices
  • 4 slices American cheese slices (Optional)

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Grill or cast-iron skillet
  • Spatula
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Knife and cutting board

Chef's Tip

For the juiciest burgers, avoid overworking the meat when forming patties. Handle the meat as little as possible, and make a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking.

Instructions

  1. Gently combine ground beef, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
  2. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 1/2-inch thick and 4-5 inches in diameter. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  3. Place patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. Meanwhile, make the special sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Preheat grill or large cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove patties from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cooking.
  7. Cook burgers for 4-5 minutes on first side. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes more for medium (or until desired doneness). If adding cheese, place slice on burger during the last minute of cooking.
  8. While burgers cook, spread butter on cut sides of buns and toast until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Spread special sauce on bottom buns. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
  10. Place cooked burgers on prepared buns and add top bun.

Plating

Serve burger on a plate with the top bun slightly askew to showcase the layers of toppings. Place a wooden skewer through the center to hold it together if desired. Accompany with french fries or potato chips on the side.

Storage & Reheating

Uncooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 1 day or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before cooking. The special sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Assembled burgers do not store well and should be eaten immediately after preparation.

About This Recipe

This burger recipe captures the essence of The Ground Round's signature hamburger, which is known for its quality beef and perfect seasoning. The special sauce adds the distinctive tangy flavor that fans recognize, while the careful cooking technique ensures a juicy burger with a nicely charred exterior. The combination of fresh toppings and a buttery brioche bun creates that classic steakhouse burger experience.

How did it turn out?

We'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe!