Description
This smash burger recipe delivers restaurant-level satisfaction right from your kitchen. With just a few ingredients—quality beef, American cheese, and soft buns—you can create thin, crispy-edged patties with juicy centers in under 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate go-to for weeknight dinners, BBQ parties, or when you’re just craving a nostalgic burger bite. The trick is in the sear: by smashing the beef onto a hot griddle, you unlock a flavor-packed crust that’s impossible to beat.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout or making lunch for one, this recipe is flexible, easy, and endlessly rewarding.
Ingredients
- 8 oz ground beef (80/20)
- 2 burger buns
- 2 slices American cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (for buns)
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, smash sauce
Instructions
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Divide beef into two 4-ounce balls. Do not form into patties.
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Preheat griddle on medium-high for 5–7 minutes.
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Place beef balls on hot griddle. Smash flat using a burger press or spatula.
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Season with salt and pepper immediately.
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Cook for 2 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
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Flip and top with cheese. Cook for another 1–1.5 minutes.
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Butter buns and toast cut-side down until golden.
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Assemble with toppings and sauce of choice. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly ground beef for best flavor. Smash only once to preserve juices. Make sure your griddle is properly preheated for maximum sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 530