Description
This classic Smash Burger recipe features perfectly seared, thin and crispy beef patties topped with melted American cheese, served on toasted hamburger buns with a tangy mayo-ketchup-mustard sauce and fresh sliced onions. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, this burger offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that make it a delicious comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Patties
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 slices American cheese
Buns & Toppings
- 2 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 small onion, sliced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Heat the pan. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
- Shape the beef. Form the ground beef into two equal balls, roughly 4 ounces each, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Oil the pan. Add the tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot pan and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly.
- Smash the patties. Place the beef balls onto the pan and immediately press down firmly with a spatula to flatten into thin patties.
- Season the patties. Sprinkle the patties evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook first side. Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a crispy crust on the bottom.
- Flip and cheese. Flip the patties carefully using a spatula, then place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty.
- Cook second side. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked through.
- Butter the buns. Spread the tablespoon of butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns.
- Toast the buns. Place the buns, buttered side down, into a separate skillet over medium heat and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove buns. Take the toasted buns off the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until well combined.
- Assemble sauce and onions. Spread the sauce mixture on the bottom half of each toasted bun, then top with sliced onions.
- Add patties. Place each cheesy patty on top of the onion and sauce dressed bun bottoms.
- Complete the burger. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve immediately. Serve the smash burgers right away while hot and fresh for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use a cast-iron skillet to achieve a great sear and crust on the patties.
- Do not press the patties further after flipping to avoid squeezing out juices and drying the meat.
- Feel free to customize toppings with lettuce, tomato, pickles, or your favorite condiments.
- Use freshly ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness.
- Keep the patties thin for that signature smash burger texture and crust.
