Name: Smash Burger Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound 80/20 ground beef; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste); ½ teaspoon cracked pepper (more to taste); 8 slices American cheese; 4 hamburger buns, toasted with butter; Shredded lettuce; Sliced tomatoes; Pickles; Onion slices; Smashburger sauce (your favorite or homemade)

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Introduction

Smash burgers are a deliciously crispy and juicy take on the classic cheeseburger. This recipe shows you how to make thin, flavorful patties that are seared to perfection and stacked for maximum satisfaction. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend cookout.

A close-up of a cheeseburger on a white plate showing five main layers: the top soft, golden brown bun with a smooth, slightly shiny texture; underneath, a layer of green lettuce mixed with a creamy, light orange sauce dripping down; next is a slice of red tomato; below are two thick, melted slices of bright yellow cheese covering a dark brown grilled beef patty; finally, the bottom soft bun with some sauce spilling over the edges. Around the plate are light golden French fries with a slightly crispy texture, some with a sprinkle of black pepper. In the background, there is a clear cup with a creamy light orange sauce, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound 80/20 ground beef
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
½ teaspoon cracked pepper (more to taste)
8 slices American cheese
4 hamburger buns, toasted with butter
Shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and onion
Smashburger sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Use your hands to mix gently, evenly distributing the seasoning throughout the meat without overworking it.
Step 2: Divide the meat into 8 equal balls, about 2 ounces each.
Step 3: Heat a large cast iron skillet or flat top grill over high heat until very hot. This ensures a good sear on the burgers.
Step 4: Place the meat balls on the hot surface, then immediately smash each ball flat using a burger press or two large spatulas. Smash them thin, slightly larger than your buns as they will shrink while cooking.
Step 5: Sprinkle the smashed patties with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Cook the patties without moving them for 45-60 seconds until the edges brown and the top starts to turn grayish.
Step 7: Flip the patties, season again with salt and pepper, and quickly add a slice of American cheese on each one.
Step 8: Stack four patties on top of the other four to create double cheeseburgers.
Step 9: Remove the burgers from the heat, place them on the toasted buns, and add your preferred toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and smashburger sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for the best crust and even heat distribution.
For a smoky flavor, try cooking the patties on a charcoal grill with a flat top griddle.
Swap American cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a different twist.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover smash burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crispy and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make the buns soggy.

How to Serve

Three white plates sit on a white marbled surface, each holding a cheeseburger and a serving of golden French fries sprinkled with black pepper. Two of the burgers are open-faced, showing layers from bottom to top: a toasted burger bun, a beef patty with melted yellow cheese, bright green shredded lettuce, a slice of red tomato, a ring of white onion on one burger, and drizzled creamy orange sauce on the greens. The third burger is closed with a soft toasted bun on top. A small white bowl of creamy orange sauce with a spoon sits near the top right, and a small white bowl of sliced pickles is visible at the bottom left. A red and white checkered cloth is placed next to the bottom right plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leaner ground beef for smash burgers?

While you can use lean ground beef, 80/20 ground beef is recommended for juiciness and flavor. Leaner beef tends to dry out and won’t create the same crispy edges.

How do I prevent the burgers from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your pan or grill is very hot before adding the meat, and use a thin, firm spatula to smash and handle the patties. Adding a small amount of oil can also help prevent sticking.