Description
This Smash Burgers recipe offers a quick and delicious way to prepare juicy, flavorful burgers with crispy edges and melted American cheese. Using a cast iron or stainless steel skillet to sear thin, loosely packed patties results in a perfect balance of texture and taste, topped with your favorite condiments and toasted buttery buns.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (blend of ⅓ ground chuck, ⅓ ground sirloin, and ⅓ ground round, or 1 lb ground chuck works well)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Buns
- 4 potato burger buns (brioche buns also work)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 8 slices American cheese
- Favorite toppings and condiments (such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo)
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Brush a 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet with 1 tablespoon of canola oil and set it over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to get hot.
- Form Patties: While the skillet heats, divide the ground beef into four ¼-pound portions and loosely form each into 2-inch thick patties. The meat should barely hold together. Generously season one side of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Toast Buns: Butter the inside of the buns with softened unsalted butter, then place them buttered-side down on the hot skillet. Cook just until the buns are nicely toasted, watching closely to avoid burning. Remove and set aside.
- Increase Heat: Turn the heat under the skillet to medium-high and allow it to heat an additional 1 minute for searing.
- Sear Patties: Place two patties salt & pepper side down on opposite sides of the skillet. Using a spatula, firmly press down on them until about 4 to 4½ inches wide and ½ inch thick. Season the top side of the patties with salt and pepper.
- Cook Patties: Let the patties cook undisturbed until the edges become dark caramel brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and Melt Cheese: Flip the burgers and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 slices of American cheese on top of each patty and continue cooking for about 1 more minute for medium-well doneness. For medium-rare, add cheese immediately after flipping and cook just 1 minute.
- Repeat: Remove the cooked patties with melted cheese to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat the searing, flipping, and melting process with the remaining patties.
- Assemble Burgers: Place each cheesy patty on a toasted bun and add your favorite toppings and condiments before serving.
Notes
- Using a blend of ground chuck, sirloin, and round provides a mix of flavor and fat for juicy burgers, but ground chuck alone also works well.
- Pressing the patties thinly and cooking them quickly on high heat develops crispy edges and maximizes flavor.
- Butter the buns before toasting for extra richness and a golden crust.
- American cheese melts perfectly and complements the classic smash burger taste.
- For a juicier burger, avoid over-packing the patties when forming.
- Enjoy with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
