Do you remember the sourdough jack from jack in the box?

It was a long-time staple; and then just quietly disappeared.

No bun, just sour dough bread, cut into rounds and toasted.

Tomatoes. Jack cheese. Mayo. And two thin meat patties. And, if you want to make it californian, add some avocado. But it’s really unnecessary.

Mix together equal parts of mayo and ketchup and you’ve got the perfect sauce.

At its heart, it’s the perfect simple burger.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef, formed into 4 smashed and flattened patties

4 slices sourdough bread, each cut into rounds.

1 Tbsp butter

beefsteak tomato, sliced

jack cheese, sliced

2 Tbsp ketchup

2 Tbsp mayo

Directions:

Mix together ketchup and mayo until combined.

Preheat grill, broiler, or cast-iron skillet to cook your burger patties. Whatever method is easiest for you. Once patties are cooked to your desired temperature, remove from heat and set aside.

Melt butter on a skillet over medium heat. Place sourdough rounds on butter to slightly toast (think grilled cheese).

Spread ketchup/mayo mixture on top of each round. Top two rounds with one burger patty, one slice jack cheese, one tomato, one slice of jack cheese, one more patty, and then top with another sourdough round.

Turn heat to low and cover. Cook for 2 minutes, uncover, and flip. Cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown on both sides.

Serve.