Today we will be making smash burgers. Whether it’s for a spring barbecue, your kid’s next birthday party, or the 4th of July, these burgers are sure to make your mouth water.

You might be asking yourself if you’ve ever had a smash burger before. Chances are, if you’ve had an excellent homemade burger from a restaurant or cookout, you have!

These burgers are easy to make with no fancy ingredients. The secret to the burger is the type of meat. For this recipe, you’ve got to use 80% lean, 20% fat ground beef. Why, you might ask? Well, fat gives flavor, and these burgers are extra tasty with this type of ground beef. Trust us on this one. Don’t use 95%, 90%, or even 95% lean – 80% is a must-have! If you have strong reactions to cooking smells, make sure to have your under cabinet hood vent turned on.

From there, pair it with your favorite thin bun (this is crucial), your best sauce (mine’s spicy barbecue), and some melty American cheese. Sure, you can use cheddar, pepper jack, or swiss, but American cheese is the meltiest. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb, 80% ground beef
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Pinch of salt
• 8 slices American cheese
• 4 buns

Topping Ideas

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Onion
• Bacon
• Pickles
• Bell peppers

Directions

1. Place your cast iron skillet on your stove and turn it to high heat
2. Brush your skillet with vegetable oil.
3. Section off ground beef into ¼ pound portions; shape each into a ball.
4. Place balls of ground beef on the pan. You can put as many as can fit!
5. With a metal spatula, smash the burger until it’s about four inches across. It’s okay if it’s not even – crispy edges are what makes smashburgers successful! See image below for reference.
6. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Let sit for 2 minutes. If you have a lid, you can cover the pan.
8. Flip the burger, then season it with a little more salt and pepper. Add cheese and let sit for 2 minutes.
9. Serve with a toasted bun and whatever toppings you want! Stack two patties for a double decked burger.

Chef’s Tip

Make sure you use smaller buns for this recipe. The smashburgers will end up thinner than your regular burger, and we all love more meat than bread, right? Find the smallest buns you can!

One of the secrets to smashburgers is to smash it with no regard for uniformity. Those edges on the burger give it a nice crispy taste which complements the hot chewy center. It’s what makes a smashburger a smashburger!

If you don’t have a metal press, a metal spatula will do. If this recipe is one you think you’d make regularly, invest in this handy press!

Pair With…

Fries, fries, and fries! Potato chips are also acceptable. Bring out your favorite soda or beer, and you’ve got yourself a simple night, sports fans. Enjoy the burger and your evening!

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