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A delicious smash burger on a wooden board.

Smash Burger

This Smash Burger recipe creates a burger with a deliciously crispy crust and juicy, flavorful beef. It's straightforward and fun, perfect for a quick dinner or a casual gathering. With a cast iron skillet and a few simple ingredients, you're all set to make your new favorite burger recipe.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: smash burgers
Servings: 4
Calories: 363kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ pound ground beef can also use 80% beef, 20% pork mixture for juicier burgers
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 slices Cheddar cheese
  • 4 burger buns Brioche works best with the smash
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Spicy mayo
  • Fresh pickles

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the beef, salt, and pepper and mix it lightly (don’t overwork the meat).
    ½ pound ground beef, Salt and pepper
  • Form into 4 large balls and flat them out until they are about 1 inch thick. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Heat a cast iron for about 7-10 minutes, it should be as hot as possible.
  • Lightly coat the pan with oil. Place one of the burgers in the pan and immediately smash it flat with a metal spatula. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the bottom side browns.
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Flip the smashed burger patty. Top it with the cheese. Cook for 2-4 minutes more, or until your desired doneness is achieved. Then, remove the cheeseburger from the pan.
    4 slices Cheddar cheese
  • Place the buns in the skillet for a couple of minutes and layer them with the sauce, burger, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles.
    4 burger buns, Fresh lettuce leaves, Tomato slices, Spicy mayo, Fresh pickles
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

    • Don’t overwork the meat: When mixing and forming your patties, handle the meat as little as possible. Overworking can make the burgers tough.
    • Use a sturdy spatula: A strong, flat spatula is crucial for smashing the patties effectively. The thinner and firmer, the better for getting under the patty and ensuring a good smash.
    • High heat is key: Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding your burgers. This high heat is what gives the smash burgers their characteristic crust.
    • Cheese: Adding cheese right after flipping ensures it melts perfectly by the time the burger is cooked. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite.
    • Rest: Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, making it even juicier.
    • Seasoning: A simple seasoning of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is really all you need, but feel free to experiment with garlic powder or smoked paprika for a different twist.
    • Grill: You can make smash burgers on a regular grill. Just ensure it's very hot before adding your patties, and use a heavy-duty spatula to press them down firmly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

    • Refrigerate: Once cooled, place the leftover burger patties in an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Separate components: Store the buns, toppings, and patties separately to keep everything fresh. This way, you can reheat the patties without making the buns soggy.
    • Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your burger again, reheat the patties on a skillet over medium heat until they are thoroughly warmed. Toast the buns and assemble your burger with fresh toppings.
    • Freeze: Wrap each cooked patty individually in freezer-safe wrap and store them for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet from frozen.
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Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 362mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 3mg
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