Description
This classic Smash Burger recipe delivers thin, crispy-edged beef patties with a juicy center, topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a creamy homemade burger sauce. Quick and simple to prepare, it offers a restaurant-quality flavor perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Burger
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Burger Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles
Instructions
- Prepare the beef balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 loose balls without overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat, add butter and onions, and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the patties: Place the beef balls on the hot skillet and immediately press each ball firmly with a sturdy metal spatula until very thin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Brown the edges: Cook the patties for about 2 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy.
- Flip and melt cheese: Flip the patties and cook for another 1–2 minutes, then add cheese slices and allow them to melt.
- Toast the buns: Toast the hamburger buns cut-side down in the skillet for 30–60 seconds until lightly browned.
- Make the burger sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and finely chopped pickles in a small bowl.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread the sauce on the toasted buns, then layer with the cheeseburger patties and top with caramelized onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures a good balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Do not press the burger after flipping to avoid squeezing out the juices.
- A sturdy metal spatula works best for smashing the patties thin and evenly.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomato, or jalapeños to customize your burger.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
