Smash Burgers

Ingredients

1. 1

   Step 1

   Portion the beef

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 pound ground beef
     • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
     • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
   • Action: Divide beef into 8 loose 2 ounces balls. Sprinkle tops with salt and pepper; keep handling minimal for tender patties.
2. 2

   Step 2

   Preheat the skillet

   • Ingredients:
     • Cast-iron skillet or griddle
   • Action: Heat over medium-high until smoking hot. Lightly oil if your pan isn’t well-seasoned.
3. 3

   Step 3

   Smash and sear

   • Ingredients:
     • Seasoned beef balls
   • Action: Place 2–3 balls on the skillet. Immediately press each with a spatula (use parchment if needed) into a very thin patty. Cook 1–2 minutes until edges are deeply browned.
4. 4

   Step 4

   Flip and melt

   • Ingredients:
     • 4 slices cheese
   • Action: Flip patties, top with cheese, and cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and burgers hit 160°F.
5. 5

   Step 5

   Toast buns

   • Ingredients:
     • 4 burger buns
   • Action: Warm or toast buns face-down on the skillet for 30–60 seconds until golden.
6. 6

   Step 6

   Assemble

   • Ingredients:
     • Cooked patties
     • Buns
     • Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, sauce
   • Action: Stack two patties per bun and load up with favorite toppings.

Step insights

• Smashing increases surface contact so the meat browns quickly and creates crisp edges.

Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet or griddle

• Sturdy metal spatula

• Mixing bowl

• Sheet pan or tray

• Measuring spoons