Description
This Smash Burger recipe delivers juicy, caramelized burgers with melted cheddar cheese and a variety of fresh toppings. Made with ground beef, thinly sliced onions, and a touch of yellow mustard, these burgers are cooked on a stovetop or griddle to create a deliciously crispy exterior and tender interior. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, these burgers can be served single or doubled up with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb) (454 grams)
- 1/2 tablespoon oil (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 thinly sliced onion (yellow or red)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Yellow mustard (drizzle on each one)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (halved)
Toppings (optional)
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced pickles
- Hot sauce
- Mayo
Instructions
- Divide the meat: Portion the ground beef into 7 equal balls, approximately 2.5 ounces each. Using a kitchen scale or a 1/4 cup measuring cup helps achieve consistent sizes.
- Heat the pan and cook onions: Warm a pan or blackstone griddle over medium-high heat and add oil. Once hot, place thinly sliced onions in 7 small bundles spaced apart. Cook for about 1 minute to soften slightly.
- Add and smash the patties: Place one meatball on each onion bundle. Cover with a small piece of parchment paper and smash down the ball with a burger press, flat-bottomed pot, or metal spatula to create thin patties.
- Season and cook first side: Remove the parchment paper. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the patties then drizzle with yellow mustard. Cook until the bottom sides are golden and caramelized, about 2 minutes.
- Flip and add cheese: Flip the patties carefully and cook for another 2 minutes. Then add half a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and allow it to melt for about 1 minute.
- Monitor cooking time: Continue cooking for a total of 2-3 minutes per side depending on your preferred doneness. Watch closely to avoid burning or overcooking.
- Serve with toppings: Remove the patties from heat once the cheese is melted. Serve as single or double patties with your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, hot sauce, or mayo. Optionally use low-carb alternatives instead of buns.
Notes
- Use a flat metal spatula or burger press to get a thin, even smash on the patties.
- Cooking times may vary based on stove and pan heat; adjust accordingly.
- Thinly sliced onions cooked underneath patties add sweetness and flavor.
- For juicier burgers, do not press down on patties once smashed.
- Experiment with different toppings and cheese varieties to customize your burger.
- Try low-carb burger bun alternatives for a lighter meal option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
