Pineapple-Beet “Animal-Style” Burger with Crispy Fries & Jammy Egg

An indulgent American-style diner dinner: smashed beef patties with a tangy beet “special sauce,” caramelized onions, melty cheese, a sweet pineapple pop, and a jammy egg—plus crisp oven fries.

Ingredients

• 2 burger buns
• 10 oz ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 2 slices American cheese (or cheddar)
• 1 medium beetroot, cooked and peeled (about 6 oz)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles)
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp white vinegar (or pickle juice)
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance beet)
• 1/2 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large egg
• 1 pineapple piece/ring (fresh or canned), well-drained
• 1 1/4 lb russet potatoes (about 2 large)
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (for fries) + 1 tbsp (for cooking burgers/onions)
• Salt and black pepper
• Pantry staples: garlic powder, paprika (optional)

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Make the beet “special sauce”

  Finely grate the cooked beet (use the small holes). In a bowl, mix beet with mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Taste: it should be tangy-sweet and punchy. If it tastes “earthy,” add the optional sugar and an extra 1/2 tsp vinegar.

• 2

  Step 2: Cut and prep fries

  Heat oven to **450°F**. Cut potatoes into **1/4-inch sticks**. Rinse in cold water until it runs clearer, then pat *very* dry (this is key for crisping). Toss with **2 tbsp oil**, **1 tsp salt**, and a pinch of pepper + optional paprika/garlic powder.

• 3

  Step 3: Bake fries until crisp

  Spread fries on a large sheet pan in a single layer (use two pans if crowded). Bake **20 minutes**, flip, then bake **10–15 minutes** more until deeply golden at the edges and crisp.

• 4

  Step 4: Caramelize the onions

  While fries bake, heat **1 tbsp oil** in a skillet over **medium-low**. Add onions with a pinch of salt. Cook **15–20 minutes**, stirring often, until soft and golden brown. If the pan dries out, add **1–2 tbsp water** and scrape up browned bits.

• 5

  Step 5: Sear the pineapple

  Push onions to one side or use a second pan. Sear the pineapple over **medium-high** for **1–2 minutes per side** until lightly browned and glossy. Set aside.

• 6

  Step 6: Cook the egg (jammy)

  Bring a small pot of water to a gentle boil. Lower in the egg and cook **7 minutes** for a jammy yolk (8–9 minutes for firmer). Transfer to cold water, peel, and slice in half. (Alternative: fry or scramble if you prefer.)

• 7

  Step 7: Smash and cook the burgers

  Heat a skillet/griddle over **high** until very hot. Form beef into **2 loose balls** (5 oz each). Season generously with salt and pepper. Place on the hot pan and smash firmly into thin patties. Cook **1–2 minutes** until edges are crisp and deeply browned, flip, add cheese, and cook **45–60 seconds** more until melted.

• 8

  Step 8: Toast buns & assemble

  Lightly toast buns cut-side down in the hot pan until golden. Build each burger:

• 9

  Step 9: Serve

  Pile fries alongside and dip into extra beet sauce.

Tips

• **Beetroot**: Cooked is best for smooth sauce. If yours is raw, roast whole at **400°F for 60–75 min** until a knife slides in easily, then peel.
• **Fries crisp factor**: Drying the potatoes well and not overcrowding the pan makes the biggest difference.
• **No griddle?** A cast iron skillet is ideal; any heavy pan works—just get it *hot* before smashing.
• **Serving idea**: Add extra onions and sauce on the fries for a “loaded animal-style” vibe (still using the same ingredients).

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)