Description
A quick and easy triple smash burger featuring three thin, crispy patties layered with sweet caramelized onions and a tangy special sauce. Perfect for a satisfying, no-fuss meal that feels like a celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral oil (for cooking)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 10.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 brioche buns or classic hamburger buns
- 3 slices American cheese or cheddar (optional)
- Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter), sliced to taste
- Leaf lettuce or iceberg lettuce
- 3 thick tomato slices
Instructions
- Prepare the caramelized onions: Heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and sweet, adding brown sugar halfway through if desired. Set aside.
- Make the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill until ready to use.
- Shape the patties: Divide the ground beef into 9 equal portions, about 2 ounces each. Roll each into a loose ball—don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Heat the skillet: Place your cast-iron pan on medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Let it get hot until it just starts to smoke.
- Cook the patties: Place three beef balls in the pan spaced apart. Using a spatula or burger press, smash each ball down firmly to about ¼ inch thickness. Cook for 2–3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy. Flip, add a slice of cheese on each patty if using, and cook another 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm. Repeat for remaining patties.
- Toast the buns: Quickly toast the cut sides of the buns in the skillet until golden and slightly crispy—about 1 minute.
- Assemble the triple smash burger: On the bottom bun, spread a generous layer of special sauce. Add a layer of lettuce and tomato. Stack three patties on top, layering caramelized onions between each patty. Add pickles on top, then the top bun with a little more special sauce spread.
- Serve and enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
Use fresh ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for juiciness. Press patties firmly but only once to keep them juicy. Caramelize onions low and slow for best sweetness. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Leftover caramelized onions keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For a dairy-free special sauce, substitute vegan mayo and vinegar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 45
Keywords: triple smash burger, caramelized onions, special sauce, smashed burger, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, crispy burger patties