Description
This easy oven-baked smash burger recipe delivers crispy edges and juicy centers without flipping, perfect for quick weeknight meals with minimal mess.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
- 4 cheese slices (American, cheddar, or favorite)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing buns)
- Optional toppings: pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, sliced red onions, ketchup, mayo
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a rack in the middle position.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder without overworking the meat.
- Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and roll each into loose balls about 4 ounces (113 g) each. Place them spaced evenly on the lined sheet pan.
- Using a heavy spatula or metal scraper, press down firmly on each meatball to flatten to about ½-inch (1.3 cm) thickness, creating uneven edges.
- Bake the patties for 10 minutes. Check edges around 8 minutes for crispness and caramelization; add 1-2 minutes if needed but avoid burning.
- Remove the pan and immediately place a slice of cheese on each patty. Return to oven for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Brush the insides of the buns with melted butter and toast them on a separate baking sheet in the oven for 3-4 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the burgers by layering patties and desired toppings on the toasted buns.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best crispy and juicy combination.
Notes
Do not overwork the meat to keep burgers tender. Use a heavy spatula to smash patties firmly and evenly. High oven heat (450°F) is essential for crispy edges. Line the pan to ease cleanup. Toast buns separately with butter for added crunch. Variations include adding spices like cayenne or smoked paprika, using plant-based meat substitutes, or swapping toppings seasonally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun an
- Calories: 450500
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: smash burger, sheet pan burger, no-flip burger, oven burger, crispy burger, easy burger recipe, quick dinner