Smash Burgers

The sizzle of beef hitting a hot griddle fills the air, promising a juicy explosion of flavor that can’t be resisted. Smash burgers are the epitome of a quick and delicious meal, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The magic lies in the technique; smashing the patties onto the heat creates a crispy, caramelized crust that seals in flavor.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying experience for burger lovers of all ages. You can easily prepare the burger sauce in advance and store it in the fridge, making assembly a breeze when it’s time to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The crispy exterior and juicy interior create a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Quick cooking time ensures you’ll have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
• Simple technique allows anyone to master burger-making at home.
• Flavorful homemade burger sauce elevates your burgers to gourmet status.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to make smash burgers and their accompanying sauce.

For the Burgers

• 1 ½ lb 80/20 ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup avocado oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• 8 slices American cheese (optional)

For the Burger Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha

Use ketchup instead of barbecue if preferred.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey.
• American cheese can be swapped for cheddar or provolone.
• Avocado oil can be substituted with olive oil.
• Dijon mustard can be interchanged with yellow mustard.

How to Make It

Start creating your delicious smash burgers with these simple steps.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and sriracha until fully combined. Set aside for flavors to meld.

Cook the Patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil. Form the ground beef into balls and place them on the hot surface, pressing down firmly to create a flat patty. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the Onions

If using, add the sliced yellow onion to the skillet around the patties, allowing them to caramelize as the burgers cook. Cook for about 3 minutes, then flip the patties, adding slices of American cheese if desired.

Toast the Buns

While the burgers finish cooking, add the hamburger buns cut-side down to the skillet to toast them lightly until golden brown.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, burgers freeze well; wrap individually.
Reheat: Sauté on medium heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for Best Results

• Shape the beef balls without overworking the meat to keep burgers tender.
• Use high heat to achieve that perfect crust on the patties.
• Allow the burgers to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking for juicier results.
• Experiment with different toppings to personalize your smash burgers.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crispy fries or onion rings for a classic meal.
• Serve at backyard barbecues as a crowd-pleaser.
• Enjoy alongside a refreshing coleslaw for a complete dining experience.