Smash Burgers
Smash Burgers are so easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients! Seasoned beef is smashed to create thin patties with the best crispy exteriors. This might just become your new favorite way to make an all-American burger!
Smash Burgers
I love a good smash burger. When I see a food truck or burger joint with a smash burger on the menu, that’s what I order. There’s just something about the crispy browned patty that I’m obsessed with! With that being said, I’ve really mastered making my own smash burger at home and it’s way better than so many of the burgers I’ve had over the years.
Plus, making this smash burger recipe is so quick and easy! You just have to season your ground beef, smash it with a spatula, cook it for a few minutes and assemble it all on a bun with your favorite toppings. The beauty of a smash burger is that it’s super quick to cook since the patty so thin. While I so also enjoy a big juicy burger, they take a lot longer to cook than these thin and crispy patties!
No need to fire up the grill for this smash burger recipe. These bad boys are cooked to perfection right on your stove top in a matter of minutes! Of course, you could always grill them if you’d prefer. But for those who either don’t have a grill outside or prefer using their cast iron skillet, this easy burger recipe is an ideal one for you.
How to Make Smash Burgers
Take a quick look at just how easy this smash burgers recipe is! For more details on measurements and step by step instructions, just scroll down to the recipe card.
- Prepare the patties. Divide the ground beef into 4 portions. Form each portion into a ball and season all over with burger seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Smash and cook. Arrange the 4 patties on a skillet that’s been preheated over high heat. Immediately smash them with a large spatula. Ideally, your patties should be about a half inch thick or even thinner. Season with a little more salt and pepper. Cook until they’re brown and crispy.
- Flip and add cheese. Flip each patty, then top with cheese. Keep cooking until the patties are fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
- Assemble. Toss the cheesy smashed patties onto buns with all of your favorite burger toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
PRO TIP: If your cheese isn’t melting quickly enough, cover the skillet with a lid for just a little bit. The steam will melt the cheese. Just don’t let the lid stay on for too long or your burgers won’t be crispy!
Ingredient Notes
Take a quick look at what you’ll need before you head to the store:
- Ground Beef: I like to use 80/20 ground beef for these burgers. Feel free to use another ration if you’d like.
- Burger Seasoning: For the most amazing flavor, use homemade hamburger seasoning!
- Salt and Pepper: Try to use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
- Cheese: Both cheddar and American cheese are both awesome on smash burgers. Use your favorite.
- Buns: If you feel like showing off, consider making homemade brioche hamburger buns. They’re incredible!
- Toppings: There’s a ton of creativity here. I like to keep it classic with ketchup, pickles, onions and tomatoes, but you can really use whatever burger toppings you love. Consider setting up a whole toppings bar if you’re hosting some friends!
More of the very best burger recipes!
- Juicy Lucy Burger
- Maple Bourbon Burger with Bacon Mustard Sauce
- Peach Glazed Blue Cheese Burgers with Honey Jalapeño Mayonnaise
- Beef Bourguignon Burger with Horseradish Creme Fraiche
For more easy burger ideas, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Get the Recipe: Smash Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon burger seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
- 8 slices yellow American cheese or cheddar
- Butter lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Sliced Onions
- Pickles
- 4 hamburger buns
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Instructions
- Preheat a large cast iron skillet over high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
- Loosely form the patties into balls and season with the burger seasoning. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the patties on the skillet and immediately smash with a large spatula to create the smashed burger. The burger should be about 1/2 inch thick or thinner. Season with a bit more salt and pepper. Cook until the burgers are browned and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the burger patties, top with cheese slices and continue cooking until browned. (Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt, if necessary.)
- Assemble the burgers on the buns and top with lettuce, tomato and onion, if desired.
- Serve immediately.