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Smash Burger Recipe

4.7 from 59 reviews

This classic Smash Burger recipe features thinly smashed, crispy-edged beef patties layered with melted American cheese on toasted buttered buns. Seasoned simply with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, these double-stacked burgers are cooked on a hot cast iron skillet or flat top grill for maximum caramelization. Customize with your favorite fresh toppings and special Smashburger sauce for a deliciously indulgent burger experience at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Patties

  • 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)

Cheese & Buns

  • 8 slices American cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted with butter

Toppings

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Pickles
  • Onion slices

Sauce

  • Smashburger sauce (your favorite or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients together just until evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
  2. Portion the beef: Divide the beef mixture into eight equal balls, about 2 ounces each. Keep them loosely packed to retain tenderness.
  3. Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a large cast iron skillet or flat top grill over high heat until very hot. This ensures a crispy crust on the burgers. If using a flat top grill, you can cook all the patties at once; otherwise, cook in batches on the skillet.
  4. Smash the patties: Place the beef balls on the hot surface and immediately smash each one thinly using a burger press or two spatulas. The patties should be slightly larger than the buns as they will shrink while cooking.
  5. Season the burgers: Sprinkle the smashed patties evenly with salt and cracked pepper.
  6. Cook the first side: Let the patties cook undisturbed for 45 to 60 seconds until the edges brown and the tops become grayish.
  7. Flip and add cheese: Flip the patties carefully, season again with salt and pepper, and place a slice of American cheese on each patty immediately to allow it to melt.
  8. Stack the burgers: Quickly stack four cheese-topped patties on top of the remaining four patties, creating four double-layered smash burgers.
  9. Assemble the burgers: Remove the double patties from the skillet or grill and place each on a toasted, buttered hamburger bun. Add shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions, and a generous dollop of Smashburger sauce as desired.
  10. Serve immediately: Enjoy your classic Smash Burgers hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor.
  • American cheese is recommended for great meltability but feel free to use your favorite cheese slice.
  • Heating the skillet or grill very hot is essential to get the signature crispy crust.
  • Smashing the patties thin ensures a perfect sear and keeps the burgers juicy.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings and Smashburger sauce to personalize your burger experience.

Keywords: Smash Burger, Burger Recipe, Cast Iron Skillet Burger, American Cheese Burger, Double Patty Burger, Crispy Burger, Classic American Burger