Smash Burger
The Irresistible Smash Burger You Didn’t Know You Needed!
Ever experienced the pure bliss of a perfectly smashed burger—juicy, crispy edges, and all that melty cheese? It’s a game changer at your next cookout or a cozy dinner at home! This recipe is quick and easy, packed with flavor, and it’s bound to have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds 😋). Let’s turn your kitchen into a gourmet grill without any of the fuss!
Why Make This Recipe
- Speedy Cooking: You can whip these babies up in under 30 minutes. Who needs a long, tiresome recipe when you’ve got flavor-packed smash burgers calling your name?
- Total Flavor Bombs: The combo of bacon, cheese, and caramelized onions applies a flavor punch that will knock your socks off. Seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth!
- Clean-up? Minimal! Smash burgers mean less fuss—cook everything on the grill and serve right away. Channeling your inner grill master has never been easier!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 24 ounces ground beef (80/20)
- 8 strips bacon
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 small onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
Directions
- In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Portion the ground beef into 3-ounce balls, getting 8 portions in total.
- Preheat your flat-top grill to medium. Cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, then place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the butter to the grill and let it melt.
- Toss in the onions, coating them in the melted butter, and season with a quarter of the seasoning mixture. Cook until they wilt and brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Turn the heat to high and grease the flattop with oil.
- Season the meatballs with some of the seasoning mixture on top.
- Place the balls on the grill, seasoning side down.
- Using parchment paper and a weight, smash each ball down as thin as possible.
- Season the smashed side and let it cook until brown, about 2 minutes.
- Carefully flip the patty over with a scraper.
- Brush the flipped side with BBQ sauce and immediately add a slice of cheese. Cook until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- For doubles, stack one patty on top of another.
- Remove from the grill and serve with bacon and onions on your choice of buns.
How to Make Smash Burger (Overview)
Making smash burgers is as easy as 1-2-3! Start by seasoning the beef and rolling it into balls—don’t stress if they’re not perfect! Cook some crispy bacon and sauté those onions until they’re gloriously caramelized. Then, crank up the grill, flatten the meat down, and watch it transform into juicy goodness!
Pro Tip: Don’t skip seasoning the patties after smashing—this enhances that tasty crust we all love!
How to Serve Smash Burger
Stack those mouth-watering patties high on soft burger buns! Layer with crispy bacon, and those sweet, caramelized onions, and finish with a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Add a side of fries or crispy onion rings for crunch. Just picture that golden color, the satisfied aroma, and all the textures working together—it’s hard to resist!
How to Store Smash Burger
Leftovers? No worries! Your smash burgers will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them. Just reheat them on a skillet or the grill for a few minutes until they’re warm and cheese is gooey again. Easy peasy!
Tips to Make Smash Burger
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the beef just enough so you don’t lose that tenderness when cooking.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Swiss for flavor twists!
- Perfect Your Smashed Technique: Use a heavy spatula for that ultimate smash—get it thin for crispy edges!
Variation
Going plant-based? Try a black bean or mushroom burger mixture instead of beef. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a delightful alternative that’s just as satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s thawed before you start making your meatballs.
What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?
Try some ketchup mixed with Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor boost.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps to keep it fresh and free of gluten. 🍔
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Smash Burger
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Portion the ground beef into 3-ounce balls, getting 8 portions in total.
- Preheat your flat-top grill to medium.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, then place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the butter to the grill and let it melt.
- Toss in the onions, coating them in the melted butter, and season with a quarter of the seasoning mixture.
- Cook until they wilt and brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Turn the heat to high and grease the flat top with oil.
- Season the meatballs with some of the seasoning mixture on top.
- Place the balls on the grill, seasoning side down.
- Using parchment paper and a weight, smash each ball down as thin as possible.
- Season the smashed side and let it cook until brown, about 2 minutes.
- Carefully flip the patty over with a scraper.
- Brush the flipped side with BBQ sauce and immediately add a slice of cheese.
- Cook until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- For doubles, stack one patty on top of another.
- Remove from the grill and serve with bacon and onions on your choice of buns.
