Description
A simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying smash burger recipe featuring a crispy, caramelized crust and a tangy special sauce. Perfect for casual meals or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20 blend for juiciness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns, lightly toasted (brioche or potato buns recommended)
- Butter or oil for toasting buns
- Optional: sliced cheddar cheese or American cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles or relish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Thinly sliced red onions or caramelized onions (for topping)
- Crisp lettuce leaves (for topping)
- Fresh tomato slices (for topping)
- Pickle slices (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for about 10 minutes.
- Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Gently roll each into a loose ball and keep chilled until ready to cook.
- Heat Your Skillet: Place a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and let it get very hot (3-5 minutes).
- Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a separate pan or oven until golden and crisp. Set aside.
- Cook the Burgers: Place 2 beef balls in the hot skillet. Immediately smash each ball flat to about ¼-inch thickness using a spatula. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned, then flip. Add cheese slices if using. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread special sauce on toasted buns, add the smash patty, and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Cap with the bun top.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot for the best contrast of crispy edges and tender center.
Notes
Use cold beef balls to reduce sticking and improve crust formation. Smash patties only once to keep them juicy. Toast buns with butter for added crunch and flavor. The special sauce can be made ahead and tastes better after resting. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Cheese and hot sauce can be added for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 32
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: smash burgers, special sauce, easy burger recipe, crowd pleaser, quick dinner, crispy burger, homemade burger