Ingredients (and Why They Matter)
Main Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Yellow mustard
- 1 pound ground beef, formed into 4 patties
- McCormick Hamburger Seasoning
- 4 large burrito-size tortillas
- 28-ounce bag crinkle-cut fries
- 8 slices American cheese
Chopped onion caramelizes in butter for sweet-savory depth that elevates the burger filling. Yellow mustard on raw patties creates crust during smashing, a classic smash burger technique. 80/20 ground beef smashes thin for maximum crispy edges and juicy centers. Large burrito tortillas hold all components without tearing. Crinkle-cut fries provide ridged crunch that stays crisp inside wraps. American cheese melts smoothly over heat.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Mayonnaise forms creamy base, ketchup adds sweetness, mustard brings tang, and relish provides pickle crunch. Vinegar cuts richness while garlic powder and smoked paprika deepen savory notes, replicating fast-food special sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the special sauce first: whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet relish, vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and pink. Taste and adjust seasoning, then refrigerate—this sauce improves as flavors meld.
Cook crinkle-cut fries in air fryer at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway, or oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until deep golden and crispy. Season lightly with salt while hot.
Divide 1 pound ground beef into 4 loose balls (don’t form tight patties). Heat griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high until smoking hot. Add butter and chopped onion, stirring until golden and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Push onions aside.
Place beef balls on hot griddle spaced apart. Immediately smash flat with burger press or heavy spatula to 1/4-inch thick patties—work quickly before juices release. Spread thin layer of yellow mustard on raw top side and season generously with hamburger seasoning.
Cook undisturbed 2-3 minutes until deep crust forms and juices bubble. Flip, add seasoning to second side, and cook 1-2 minutes until 160°F internal. Chop cooked patties into bite-sized pieces with spatula.
Warm burrito tortillas briefly on griddle to make pliable. Spread 2 tablespoons special sauce down center. Layer fries, 1 slice American cheese, chopped beef, caramelized onions, second cheese slice, more fries, and extra sauce.
Fold bottom tortilla edge up over filling, fold in sides, then roll tightly into burrito. Place seam-side down on hot griddle over medium heat. Cook 1-2 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining burritos.