Description
This Smashed Burger Recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful burger with crispy edges, achieved by smashing ground beef patties on a hot cast iron skillet or griddle. Topped with melted American cheese and served on soft buns with plenty of mayonnaise and classic burger toppings, it’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a classic American favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound 80% ground beef
- Vegetable oil (to brush the pan)
- Salt, to taste
- 8 slices American cheese
- 4 buns (not too big)
- Mayonnaise (LOTS, not optional)
- Ketchup, to taste
- Mustard, to taste
- Lettuce, as desired
- Tomato slices, as desired
- Onions, as desired
- Pickles, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Place a cast iron skillet or griddle on your grill, turn the grill to high heat, and close the lid to let it heat up thoroughly until very hot. Alternatively, you can heat the skillet on a stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Oil the Skillet: Brush the hot skillet with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and promote a crispy crust on the burgers.
- Prepare the Beef: Take 1/4 pound portions of ground beef directly from the package and loosely shape them into balls without packing. Avoid compressing the meat to keep it tender.
- Place Beef on Skillet: Place each ball of beef onto the oiled, hot skillet. Work in batches if necessary—typically two at a time depending on skillet size.
- Smash the Patties: Using a metal spatula or grill press, firmly smash each ball of beef to an approximately 4-inch diameter patty to maximize surface area for a crispy edge.
- Season the Patties: Generously season the patties with salt immediately after smashing. Pepper is optional but can be added to taste.
- Cook the First Side: Close the grill lid (if grilling) or leave open if using stovetop, and cook the patties undisturbed for about 2 minutes, allowing the edges to become brown and crispy.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Flip each patty and season the cooked side with more salt. Quickly add two slices of American cheese atop each patty. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the cheese melts and starts to droop, targeting a medium-rare finish.
- Assemble the Burgers: Remove the patties from the skillet and serve them on warm, soft buns. Generously spread mayonnaise on the buns and add ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles as desired. For an extra indulgence, stack two thin patties to create a double-decker burger.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet or griddle ensures even heat and a perfect sear for crispy edges.
- Do not overwork or pack the beef; it keeps the burgers juicy and tender.
- Mayonnaise is essential for balance and moisture; don’t skimp on it.
- Smashing the patties thin allows for a better sear and flavor development compared to thick patties.
- Adjust seasoning and toppings to your preference for customization.
