Smash Burgers

Table of Contents

There’s a cozy corner in my kitchen that holds the best secrets—the secrets to simple pleasures, laughter, and, most importantly, delightful food! I stumbled upon smash burgers one sunny afternoon when the aroma of sizzling beef became impossible to resist. It was a day filled with friends and laughter, and the idea of a true hand-held comfort food felt just right. As I pressed those lovely little beef patties into the skillet, the sound of sizzling meat filled the air, wrapping us in a warm hug of savory goodness.

The joy of those smash burgers? Oh, it’s in the crispy edges hugging the juicy middle and the glorious melt of cheese on top! Each bite became an invitation for more smiles, cheers, and a gentle reminder of the simple pleasures in life. You too will find your heart dancing in the warmth of home cooking and the fun of crafting your very own smash burgers—let’s dive into this delicious culinary journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy: No need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques—a great burger that’s ready in no time.
• Quick Cooking: From kitchen to plate in about 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights!
• Flavor-Packed: A crispy, caramelized patty that’s bursting with flavor, paired with the creamy richness of homemade sauce.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Smash burgers will win over kids and adults alike—perfect for gatherings and casual dinners.
• Customizable: Dress it up with your favorite toppings or keep it classic—the choice is yours!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lb 80/20 Ground Beef: The fat content keeps these patties tender and juicy; freshly ground is always a treat!
• 1 Large Yellow Onion (optional): Sweet and caramelized, they bring a fantastic depth of flavor—don’t skip this if you love onions!
• ¼ cup Avocado Oil: This is my go-to for frying—high smoke point and a mild flavor that won’t overpower the burger!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; a generous sprinkle makes all the difference!
• 4 Hamburger Buns: Toasting them right before serving adds that nice crunch and warmth.
• 8 slices American Cheese (optional): The gooey goodness! Use it if you love that cheeseburger experience.
• ½ cup Mayonnaise: Creamy base for our sauce—helps to balance flavors beautifully!
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of zing; feel free to adjust to taste!
• ¼ cup Barbecue Sauce: For a hint of sweetness and smokiness—perfect with beef!
• 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens up the sauce, balancing richness with a bit of tang.
• 1 tsp Soy Sauce: For umami depth; just a little elevates the flavor!
• 1 tsp Sriracha: Spice lovers rejoice! Adjust to taste for that fiery kick.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Burger Sauce

1. Mix It Up: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and sriracha. Stir until creamy and well-blended! The smell? It’s tangy and utterly inviting!

Prepare the Patties

2. Form Those Balls: Take the ground beef and gently form into 4 balls, about 4 ounces each. Don’t overwork it—just a light hand will do!

Sizzle Time!

3. Heat the Skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the avocado oil. Let it get nice and hot! You want that oil shimmering.

4. Smash and Sear: Place the beef balls in the skillet, allowing space between them. Using a spatula (a metal one works great!), smash each ball down into a patty about ½ inch thick. Hear that satisfying sizzle? Don’t be shy—add a sprinkle of salt and pepper now!

Flip and Cheese It!

5. Cook Until Browned: Allow them to sear for about 3-4 minutes until crispy brown edges form. When you flip them, add a slice of cheese on top and cover the skillet to melt.

Toast the Buns

6. Get Toasty: While the cheese melts, place the buns in a separate pan or toaster until lightly toasted. The crunch will be heavenly!

Assemble Your Burgers

7. Build the Dream: Spread some burger sauce on each bun, top with the cheesy patties, caramelized onions (if using), and any other desired toppings. The aroma and colors will make your heart sing!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use a high-fat content ground beef to keep those burgers juicy and flavorful!
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet; give each patty space to sear beautifully!
• Always allow the cheese to melt under a lid for a gooey topping.
• Give the patties minimal handling; you want that tender texture.
• Experiment with toppings; lettuce, tomato, or pickles can add freshness and crunch!

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for extra heat!
• Southern Style: Top with crispy fried pickles and a spicy mayo for that southern charm.
• Italian Twist: Swap the sauce with pesto and use mozzarella cheese for an Italian flair.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your smash burgers with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad for balance. Don’t forget a chilled soda or a craft beer to elevate the experience. When plating, stack those burgers high and don’t be afraid to let the toppings tumble a bit—it’s all part of the fun!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the burger sauce a day ahead and keep it in the fridge—flavors meld beautifully! For cooked burgers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Leftover patties can be repurposed into breakfast burritos with eggs and salsa, or you can toss them onto a salad for a filling lunch. The possibilities are endless!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked patties. Ensure they are sealed well—wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best taste, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and a bit crispy again—microwave is okay, but that won’t give you the crisp you crave!

FAQs

Can I use leaner ground beef?
Yes, but keep in mind that leaner beef can lead to drier burgers, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I get a good crust on my smash burgers?
The key is high heat! Use a well-heated skillet and don’t flip them too soon. Let them form that gorgeous crust!

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for plant-based patties or make hearty veggie burger mixes. Just ensure they hold together well while cooking.

What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
No worries! Any heavy-bottomed skillet will work. Just keep an eye on the heat!

Final Thoughts

As I wrap up my burger ramble, I hope you’re feeling inspired to create your own smash burger magic! It’s all about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Don your apron, turn up the music, and invite some loved ones over. You’re not just cooking; you’re building memories with each delicious bite. Happy cooking, my friends!

Print