Name: Smashed Burger Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken or beef breakfast strips (or your preferred protein); 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage; 1 ¼ pounds cheddar cheese (shredded); 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns; ⅓ cup cooking oil (from the breakfast meat or as needed); ½ cup butter (1 stick for hash browns); Generous kosher salt (for the hash browns); Black pepper (for the hash browns); ½ cup green onions (chopped); 4 ounces cream cheese (chopped into chunks); 15 large eggs; 1 ¼ teaspoons seasoning salt (or kosher salt); 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ¼ cup butter (for the eggs); 15 large (10-inch) flour tortillas (warmed); To Serve: Chipotle Mayo, Avocado (sliced), Restaurant-style salsa, Cilantro (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This smashed burger method results in a deliciously crispy edge that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy center. The process is quick and simple—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend BBQ. Paired with your favorite toppings, including gooey American cheese, this burger becomes your new favorite meal. Plus, the crispy edges and juicy patty make it a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound 80% ground beef
Vegetable oil (for brushing the pan)
Salt (generous amount)
8 slices American cheese
4 buns (not too big)
Mayonnaise (LOTS, not optional)

Topping Ideas:

Ketchup
Mustard
Lettuce
Tomato
Onions
Pickles

Directions

1. Heat the Skillet or Griddle

Preheat your cast iron skillet or griddle on the grill. Set the grill to high heat and close the lid. Let it heat up for several minutes until it’s very hot. You can also cook this on the stovetop, using a skillet set over medium-high heat.

2. Prepare the Skillet

Brush the skillet with vegetable oil to coat the surface. This will help prevent the burgers from sticking and give them a nice sear.

3. Shape the Meat

Take ¼ pound of ground beef directly from the package and loosely shape it into a ball. Do not over-pack the meat; you want it loose for that juicy texture. If your beef is already in a mound, simply grab a hunk without shaping it too much.

4. Smash the Burger

Place the meat ball onto the hot, oiled skillet. You may need to cook the burgers in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Smash the burger down with a metal spatula or grill press. Press hard enough to flatten it to about 4 inches in diameter.

5. Season and Cook

Season the burger with a generous pinch of salt (and some pepper if you like). Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and become crispy.

6. Flip and Add Cheese

Flip the burger over with the spatula, season with a little more salt, and add two slices of American cheese on top. Let it cook for another 1 minute, or until the cheese has melted and drooped over the patty.

7. Serve the Burger

Once cooked, remove the burger from the skillet. Place it on a warm, soft bun, and top with lots of mayonnaise. Add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. For an even more indulgent treat, stack two patties for a double-decker burger!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 burgers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes per burger
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: While American cheese is classic, you can swap it out for cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for different flavors.
Spicy Burger: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up!
Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef patty for a veggie patty or a portobello mushroom for a vegetarian twist.

Storage

This recipe is best served fresh. However, you can store the cooked patties in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them on a skillet over medium heat to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

1. What makes smashed burgers different from regular burgers?

The key difference is that smashed burgers are cooked by pressing the patty onto a hot surface, creating a crispy, caramelized crust on the edges while keeping the center juicy.

2. Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?

It’s best to use 80% lean ground beef because the extra fat adds flavor and helps keep the burger juicy. Leaner beef may result in a drier patty.

3. Can I cook these burgers on the stovetop instead of the grill?

Yes, you can easily make smashed burgers on the stovetop using a cast iron skillet. Just make sure it’s preheated before cooking.

4. Can I make the burgers smaller than ¼ pound?

Yes, you can make smaller patties, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Just be sure not to overpack the meat, as you want the burger to remain juicy.

5. How do I keep my burgers crispy?

Pressing the patty down onto a hot surface helps develop that crispy edge. Don’t move the burger around on the skillet—let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get that crisp texture.

6. Can I add bacon to these burgers?

Absolutely! Crispy bacon would make a great addition to these smash burgers. Add it as a topping after cooking the patties.

7. Can I cook more than two burgers at once?

If you have a larger skillet or griddle, you can definitely cook more at once. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure the patties get crispy on the edges.

8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While you can use pre-shredded cheese, shredding your own cheese helps it melt better and creates a creamier consistency in the burger.

9. Can I freeze the cooked patties?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

10. Can I use other types of bread for the bun?

Yes, you can use any bread you like! Brioche buns, sourdough, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option work great with smashed burgers.

Conclusion

The smashed burger is the ultimate way to enjoy a burger with crispy edges and a juicy center. This simple and quick method will elevate your burger game to new heights. With endless options for customization and toppings, this is the recipe you’ll return to every time you crave a burger. Happy smashing!