Craving a burger? Eat this instead
Craving a burger? Eat this instead 🤝 is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Noel Deyzel on YouTube.
Prep: 11 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 24 min
Cost: $11.51 total, $5.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
- 4 pieces Lettuce Leaves (Iceberg or romaine, washed and dried)
- 1 medium Onion (Yellow, thinly sliced)
- 1 medium Tomato (Ripe, sliced)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (Regular, room temperature)
- 1 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish (Store‑bought)
- 1 tbsp Ketchup (Regular)
- 1 tsp Yellow Mustard (Regular)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (Kosher or sea salt)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
- 2 pieces Burger Buns (optional) (Sesame seed buns, toasted if desired)
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables
Wash lettuce leaves, onion, and tomato. Pat lettuce dry. Thinly slice the onion and slice the tomato into rounds.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Skillet
Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and let it warm for about two minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Cook Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with the spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and fully browned, about 5‑7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Season Beef
Sprinkle the cooked beef with salt, black pepper, and any additional spices you like (e.g., garlic powder). Stir to combine.
Time: PT1M
Make Big‑Mac‑Style Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, yellow mustard, a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Assemble the Burger
If using buns, toast them lightly. On the bottom bun (or directly on a plate), layer lettuce, a slice of tomato, onion rings, the seasoned beef patty, and a generous dollop of the sauce. Top with the remaining bun or serve as a lettuce‑wrap.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 32g
- Fat
- 26g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten (if buns are used), Not vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs (mayonnaise), Wheat (burger buns, if used), Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken, Plant‑based mince
- Instead of Lettuce Leaves: Spinach leaves, Cabbage leaves
- Instead of Onion: Red onion, Shallots
- Instead of Tomato: Beefsteak tomato, Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Vegan mayo
- Instead of Sweet Pickle Relish: Finely chopped pickles
- Instead of Ketchup: Tomato sauce
- Instead of Yellow Mustard: Dijon mustard
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Burger Buns (optional): Lettuce wrap, English muffin
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink to ensure food safety.
- Combine all sauce ingredients thoroughly for a smooth, cohesive flavor.
- Assemble the burger promptly so the lettuce stays crisp.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use 80% lean beef for juicier patties.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.
- Toast the buns butter‑side down for added crunch.
Troubleshooting
The beef turns out dry.
Do not overcook; remove from heat as soon as it loses pink. Keep the pan hot but cook quickly.
Sauce is too watery.
Add a little more mayonnaise to thicken, or let the sauce sit for a few minutes to allow the relish to absorb moisture.
Lettuce becomes soggy.
Dry lettuce thoroughly after washing and assemble the burger just before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked beef and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked beef patties in a single layer, then bag; keep for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance; store in a sealed jar.
- Cook the beef patty ahead of time and reheat gently before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Big Mac style burger in American fast‑food cuisine?
The Big Mac, introduced by McDonald’s in 1968, became an iconic symbol of American fast‑food culture, representing the rise of standardized, mass‑produced burgers. Its special sauce and layered construction have inspired countless home‑cooked versions, like this recipe from YouTube channel Noel Deyzel.
What are the traditional regional variations of a Big Mac style burger within the United States?
While the classic Big Mac remains consistent, regional twists include adding bacon in the South, using spicy mustard in the Southwest, or swapping the sesame bun for a pretzel bun in the Midwest. Home cooks often adapt the sauce with local pickles or hot sauce.
How is the Big Mac style burger traditionally served in American fast‑food restaurants?
It is typically served on a three‑part sesame seed bun with a layer of lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, the seasoned beef patty, and the signature “special sauce.” The burger is wrapped in paper to retain heat and moisture.
On what occasions or celebrations is the Big Mac style burger commonly enjoyed in American culture?
It is a staple at casual gatherings, backyard barbecues, sports‑watch parties, and fast‑food themed celebrations. Its familiarity makes it a crowd‑pleaser for quick weeknight meals and family get‑togethers.
What makes the Big Mac style burger special or unique in American fast‑food cuisine?
The layered bun, the creamy “special sauce,” and the balance of textures—crisp lettuce, juicy beef, and soft bun—create a distinctive flavor profile that set the Big Mac apart from standard burgers, influencing home‑cooking adaptations like this one.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Big Mac style burger at home?
Common errors include overcooking the beef, using too much sauce which makes the bun soggy, and not drying the lettuce. Follow the recipe’s timing and assemble just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Why does this recipe use a skillet instead of a grill for cooking the beef patty?
A skillet provides quick, even heat and allows you to break up the ground beef into crumbles, which matches the texture shown in Noel Deyzel’s video. Grilling would produce a solid patty, which is a different style.
Can I make the Big Mac style sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; give it a quick stir before using.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the beef is properly cooked?
The beef should be fully browned with no pink spots, slightly crumbly, and moist but not watery. It should have a caramelized surface that adds flavor.
What does the YouTube channel Noel Deyzel specialize in?
The YouTube channel Noel Deyzel focuses on quick, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often featuring simple twists on classic comfort foods and fast‑food favorites.
How does the YouTube channel Noel Deyzel's approach to American fast‑food cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Noel Deyzel emphasizes minimal equipment, fast preparation, and using everyday pantry staples, whereas many other channels may rely on more elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
