The Best Smash Burger Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: For the juiciest burger, I recommend using an 80/20 blend of ground beef. The 20% fat ensures moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, a 90/10 blend works, but be prepared for a slightly drier patty.

Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite for its melting quality and sharp taste. If you’re not a cheddar fan, you could try American cheese for a creamier melt, or Swiss for a milder flavor.

Burger Sauce: This sauce adds a nice zing to the burger. If you’re short on ingredients, a simple mix of mayo and ketchup will work fine. For a spicy kick, consider adding some sriracha or hot sauce.

Burger Buns: I recommend soft brioche buns for that sweet, buttery flavor. If you want something healthier, whole wheat or lettuce wraps can be a tasty alternative!

What’s the Best Way to Smash the Patties for Perfect Texture?

Smashing the burgers is a crucial step to achieve that tasty crust. Start by heating your skillet until it’s very hot. Form loose balls of ground beef, and don’t compact them too tightly. This keeps them tender! When you smash the patties, use a sturdy spatula and press down firmly for about 10 seconds to get that perfect shape.

• Heat skillet over medium-high heat before cooking.
• Press down evenly on a ball of beef to flatten into a patty.
• Let it cook undisturbed to develop a nice sear before flipping.

How to Make The Best Smash Burger

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Burger:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 4 burger buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• Dill pickles, sliced
• 1/2 cup burger sauce (combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, and 1 teaspoon paprika)

For Serving:

• French fries, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious smash burger recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Griddle:

Start by heating your cast iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. This helps create that perfect crust on your burgers!

2. Form the Beef Patties:

Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions, aiming for about 4 ounces each. Remember, don’t overwork the meat; you want it to be loose to keep the burgers tender.

3. Smash the Patties:

Once your skillet is hot, place a ball of beef on it. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly on the beef to flatten it into a thin patty. Hold it down for about 10 seconds to get that great sear. Repeat this step with the remaining beef portions.

4. Season the Patties:

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on each patty. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until a crust forms on the bottom. Then, flip each patty over carefully.

5. Add Cheese:

As soon as you flip the patties, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully over the burgers.

6. Toast the Buns:

While your burgers are cooking, take this time to lightly toast the burger buns. You can do this on another section of the griddle or in a separate skillet until they are golden brown. Toasted buns make everything taste better!

7. Assemble the Burgers:

Now it’s time to build your burgers! Start by spreading a generous amount of burger sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Then stack on that cheesy beef patty, followed by a handful of shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, and some dill pickles. Top it off with the top half of the bun.

8. Serve:

Enjoy your smash burgers right away, served with a side of crispy French fries. Dig in and savor your delicious creation!

Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for Smash Burgers?

While you can use leaner ground beef, it’s best to stick with an 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness and flavor. Leaner beef may result in drier burgers. However, if you only have lean ground beef, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture before forming your patties to add some moisture.

What Can I Substitute for the Burger Sauce?

If you don’t have the ingredients for the burger sauce, you can use store-bought sauces like spicy ketchup or aioli for a quick alternative. Another option is to mix ranch dressing with a bit of hot sauce for a tangy kick!

How to Store Leftover Burgers?

Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a slice of cheese if you want that melty effect again!

Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can form the patties and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. Just make sure to place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking for even cooking.