Juicy Smash Burgers: The Perfect Recipe for Your BBQ Cravings
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about biting into a perfectly made smash burger. Growing up, summer weekends at my grandparents’ house meant one thing: grilling out in the backyard, with the smoky aroma of burgers sizzling on the grill. My granddad would always prepare his “smash burgers”—those crispy-edged, juicy delights are hard to forget. The magic happens when you take a simple ball of ground beef and smash it down onto a hot skillet, allowing it to sear perfectly, creating that sought-after crust. After years of trying different recipes that didn’t quite capture that essence, I’m excited to share my go-to smash burger recipe with you. Get ready to fall in love with an easy meal that pleases everyone, from busy parents to weekend grill warriors!
Who is this recipe for?
This recipe is perfect for busy parents seeking a quick, delicious meal for their family, as well as beginners looking to hone their cooking skills. With just a few core ingredients, you can create a juicy masterpiece that will bring smiles to the dinner table.
Core Ingredients Overview
This smash burger masterpiece requires just a handful of essential ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20) for that ideal meat-to-fat ratio, salt and pepper for seasoning, white onion, tomato, lettuce, and pickles for the classic toppings. Add cheddar cheese for an irresistibly creamy finish and brioche buns to hold it all together. Lastly, whip up a delicious sauce of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, grated pickle, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to elevate the flavor.
Tools & Ingredients
Cooking Tools Needed:
- Heavy skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Stirring spoon
Full Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) – delivers juicy burgers with lots of flavor
- Salt & pepper – enhances the natural flavors of the beef
- White onion – adds sweetness and crunch
- Tomato – contributes fresh juiciness
- Lettuce – gives a refreshing, crisp texture
- Pickles – a tangy pop of flavor
- Cheddar cheese – smooth, rich goodness that melts beautifully
- Brioche buns – fluffy and slightly sweet, perfect for holding all the goodness together
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – adds creaminess to the sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup – sweet and tangy, a must-have condiment
- 2 tbsp mustard – for an extra kick of flavor
- 1 pickle (grated) – enhances the burger sauce with tartness
- 1 tbsp pickle juice – adds depth and zing to the sauce
- 1 tsp paprika – adds a hint of smokiness
- 1 tsp garlic powder – boosts flavor with a touch of aroma
- 1 tsp onion powder – rounds out flavor notes
- 1/4 tsp salt – enhances overall flavor profile
- 1/8 tsp black pepper – adds a subtle hint of spice
Instructions
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Shape the Ground Beef: Begin by dividing the ground beef into about 4 equal portions and gently roll each portion into a ball.
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Heat the Skillet: Preheat your heavy skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a tiny drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
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Smash the Burgers: Once the skillet is hot, place the balls of beef onto the skillet. Use a spatula to smash them down flat. Cook until the edges are crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Season: Generously season with salt and pepper while the burgers cook.
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Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the burgers using the spatula. If you’d like, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each burger to melt.
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Cook to Perfection: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your liking.
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Toast the Buns: While the burgers are finishing, lightly toast the brioche buns on another skillet or grill until golden.
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Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the burger sauce on the bottom bun. Layer on the lettuce, smashed burger, onions, tomato, pickles, and cap it off with the top bun. Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQ
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Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked burger patties. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
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What can I use instead of brioche buns? Any soft burger bun will work, but you can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
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How do I make this recipe spicy? Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce for an extra kick!
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Can I use a different type of ground meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a lighter option.
Tips & Tricks
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Don’t Overwork the Meat: When forming the burger balls, handle the meat gently to keep it tender. Overworking can make your burgers tough.
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Get the Skillet Hot: A hot skillet is key to achieving that perfect crispy crust. Don’t skip this step!
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Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the burgers are cooked to your preference, a meat thermometer can be very helpful. Aim for 160°F for medium.
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Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to customize your burgers with your favorite toppings or sauces. The possibilities are endless!
Enjoy making these smash burgers, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family for them to enjoy, too!
Juicy Smash Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Delivers juicy burgers with lots of flavor.
- to taste salt Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
- to taste black pepper Adds a subtle hint of spice.
- 1 white onion white onion Adds sweetness and crunch.
- 1 tomato tomato Contributes fresh juiciness.
- to taste lettuce Gives a refreshing, crisp texture.
- to taste pickles A tangy pop of flavor.
- 4 slices cheddar cheese Smooth, rich goodness that melts beautifully.
- 4 brioche buns brioche buns Fluffy and slightly sweet.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup ketchup Sweet and tangy, a must-have condiment.
- 2 tbsp mustard For an extra kick of flavor.
- 1 pickle grated pickle Enhances the burger sauce with tartness.
- 1 tbsp pickle juice Adds depth and zing to the sauce.
- 1 tsp paprika Adds a hint of smokiness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Boosts flavor with a touch of aroma.
- 1 tsp onion powder Rounds out flavor notes.
- 1/4 tsp salt Enhances overall flavor profile.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper Adds a subtle hint of spice.
Method
- Begin by dividing the ground beef into about 4 equal portions and gently roll each portion into a ball.
- Preheat your heavy skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a tiny drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the balls of beef onto the skillet. Use a spatula to smash them down flat. Cook until the edges are crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Generously season with salt and pepper while the burgers cook.
- Flip the burgers using the spatula. If you’d like, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each burger to melt.
- Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your liking.
- While the burgers are finishing, lightly toast the brioche buns on another skillet or grill until golden.
- Spread a generous amount of the burger sauce on the bottom bun. Layer on the lettuce, smashed burger, onions, tomato, pickles, and cap it off with the top bun. Serve hot and enjoy!
