Description
The Easy Smash Burger Recipe delivers crispy edges and juicy centers in a fast, flavor-packed meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns (brioche or potato rolls)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Pickles, for serving
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, burger sauce
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 2 to 3-ounce balls. Do not overwork the meat; keep it loosely packed.
- Preheat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until nearly smoking.
- Place beef balls onto the hot surface, leaving space between them. Press down with a spatula to form thin patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until a crust forms. Flip, top with cheese, and cook another minute until melted and done.
- Butter and toast the cut sides of the buns in a separate pan or on the griddle until golden brown.
- Assemble burgers with sauce, cheese patties, pickles, and any optional toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Garnish with lettuce, tomato, onion, and burger sauce for classic flavor.
- Serve with fries, coleslaw, pickle chips, or a fresh salad.
- Try sliders or burger bowls for fun variations; a burger bar setup is great for parties.
- Store patties in the fridge up to 3 days; keep buns and toppings separate.
- Freeze uncooked beef balls up to 3 months; cook from frozen, adding 1 extra minute.
- Reheat patties in a hot skillet; toast buns again before reassembling.
- Use a spatula or small pan bottom to press patties thin for crispy edges.
- Swap cheeses: American, cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda all work well.
- To retain juiciness, don’t press after the initial smash and cook quickly.
- Brioche and potato rolls are ideal; always toast buns in butter for flavor and structure.
