Ingredients
- 2 medium flour tortillas or thin pre-baked pizza crusts
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef (80/20 is best for flavor)
- 4 slices American cheese or sharp cheddar
- 1/2 small white onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 8–10 dill pickle chips
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- For the Special Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet relish
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
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Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Sauce
Start by mixing your special sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, relish, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. Set this aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld. Next, divide your ground beef into two equal portions and roll them into loose balls. Do not overwork the meat, as you want it to stay tender.
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Step 2: Smashing and Searing
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat. Place one beef ball in the center of the pan. Immediately place a tortilla or thin pizza crust directly on top of the beef. Using a heavy spatula or a grill press, press down firmly on the tortilla to smash the beef into a very thin, even layer that covers the bottom of the crust. Season the back of the tortilla lightly with salt if desired.
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Step 3: Flipping and Melting
Cook the beef for about 3 to 4 minutes until the edges are dark brown and crispy. Use a large spatula to flip the entire “pizza” over so the beef side is now facing up. Immediately top the hot beef with two slices of cheese. Cover the pan with a lid for 30-60 seconds to allow the cheese to melt perfectly while the bottom of the crust gets golden and crispy.
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Step 4: Dressing and Serving
Slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Top it generously with the shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickles. Drizzle a heavy amount of the special sauce over the top. Cut it into triangles like a standard pizza and serve immediately while the beef is hot and the crust is crunchy.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes