Quick & Juicy Homemade Smash Burgers Recipe Everyone Will Love

Smash burgers revolutionize traditional patty preparation with an innovative culinary technique that redefines ordinary beef into a crispy, flavor-packed masterpiece.

These hand-pressed delights capture restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen, promising an unbeatable texture and taste sensation.

The magic happens when meat meets scorching hot surface, creating those irresistible caramelized edges that define gourmet burger perfection.

Thin, juicy patties deliver concentrated beefy goodness that exceeds standard burger expectations.

Each smashed creation guarantees maximum flavor concentration through strategic cooking methods.

Skilled home cooks can easily elevate their burger game with this straightforward approach.

Prepare to impress friends and family with restaurant-worthy results that will have everyone craving seconds.

Why Smash Burgers at Home Just Hit Different

• Crush Flavor Explosion: The combination of kosher salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder creates a mouthwatering seasoning blend that transforms ordinary ground beef into an extraordinary burger experience.
• Quick and Crispy Technique: Using a cast iron skillet and smashing the beef balls creates an irresistible crispy exterior with those coveted caramelized edges that deliver maximum flavor in minimal cooking time.
• Protein-Packed Meal Maker: With an impressive 35 grams of protein per serving, these smash burgers provide a satisfying and nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or casual gatherings, these burgers offer a simple yet delicious option that appeals to meat lovers of all ages.

What You’ll Need for That Perfect Crust

• Ground Beef: Fresh, high-fat content beef for juicy and flavorful burgers. Look for 80/20 ground chuck for best results.

• Kosher Salt, Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic blend of spices to enhance the burgers natural flavor. Choose freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.

• Cooking Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and prevents sticking. Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best.
• Cheese Slices: Adds creamy, melty goodness to the burger. Choose American or cheddar for classic burger experience.

• Burger Buns: Soft, slightly toasted base for the burger. Look for fresh, high-quality hamburger buns for best texture.

How to Get That Smash and Sizzle Right

Step 1: Craft the Signature Seasoning Blend

Combine kosher salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Gently form ground beef into loose, slightly larger than golf ball-sized portions. Generously sprinkle the seasoning mix over each beef ball.

Step 2: Sizzle and Smash the Patties

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan. Carefully place beef balls into the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to create 4-inch wide patties with crispy, caramelized edges. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom develops a golden-brown crust.

Step 3: Flip and Melt the Cheese

Carefully flip the patties. Immediately top each patty with a slice of cheese. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the meat is cooked to your desired doneness.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

• Fresh lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Crisp pickles
• Sliced onions
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your homemade smash burger!

Tips to Keep It Juicy Without a Grill

• Choose High-Fat Beef: Select ground chuck with 20% fat content for juicier, more flavorful smash burgers that develop a perfect crispy crust.
• Prep Cold Meat: Keep ground beef very cold before forming balls to help maintain shape and prevent meat from becoming mushy during cooking.
• Use Cast Iron Skillet: Ensure a hot, heavy skillet creates the signature crispy, caramelized exterior that defines authentic smash burger technique.
• Press Firmly and Quickly: Smash patties immediately after placing in pan, using firm pressure with a sturdy spatula to create maximum surface contact and crispy edges.
• Season Generously: Apply seasoning blend right before cooking to help develop a delicious crust and lock in deep, savory flavors throughout the meat.

Storage Tricks That Won’t Dry It Out

• Refrigeration: Store leftover smash burgers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, these burgers will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F and place burgers on a lined baking sheet. Warm for 7-10 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Skillet Reheat: Restore crispy edges by reheating burgers in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, adding a small amount of butter for extra flavor. Avoid overcooking to keep patties juicy and tender.

Smash Burger Sides You’ll Crave

• Craft the Ultimate Beer Companion: Pair these juicy smash burgers with a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA to cut through the rich beef flavor and complement the charred edges.
• Select Vibrant Wine Match: Choose a bold red zinfandel or spicy syrah that stands up to the burger's robust seasoning and meaty intensity, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Design Fresh Side Kick: Serve alongside crisp dill pickle spears and tangy coleslaw to provide a refreshing contrast against the burger's dense, savory profile and add delightful textural crunch.
• Elevate with Craft Cocktail: Mix a classic old fashioned with bourbon to echo the burger's deep, caramelized notes and create a sophisticated drinking experience that enhances every delicious bite.

Burger Builds That Break the Mold

• Spicy Southwest Smash Burger: Add diced jalapeños and chili powder to the beef mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese, sliced avocado, and chipotle mayo for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Smash Burger: Replace ground beef with ground lamb. Season with oregano, mint, and garlic. Serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta cheese.
• Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before adding to the burger. Use Swiss cheese and caramelized onions for a rich, earthy flavor profile. Spread Dijon mustard on the bun for extra depth.
• Blue Cheese Buffalo Smash Burger: Mix hot sauce into the ground beef. Top with crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon. Drizzle with ranch dressing for a classic buffalo wing-inspired burger.

Easy Homemade Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible smash burgers bring classic American grilling magic straight to home kitchens with crispy caramelized edges and juicy beef centers. Meat lovers will savor each perfectly seasoned, thin patty that promises maximum flavor in minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
• 4 toasted hamburger buns, split
• 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon flavored seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic seasoning

Cooking and Optional Toppings:

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as canola
• Optional toppings: sliced pickles, thinly sliced red onion, tomato slices, and fresh lettuce

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Instructions

1. Combine kosher salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small mixing bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
2. Gently form ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio) into loose 4-ounce (113 grams) balls without overworking the meat, ensuring a tender texture.
3. Generously sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture over each beef ball, coating evenly to enhance flavor penetration.
4. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 3-4 minutes to achieve optimal surface temperature.
5. Drizzle of vegetable or canola oil across the skillet, creating a thin, even coating.
6. Carefully place beef balls onto the hot skillet, immediately pressing down with a sturdy spatula to transform them into thin, crispy 4-inch (10-centimeter) patties.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crisp, allowing a delectable crust to develop.
8. Swiftly flip the patties and immediately top with a slice of american or cheddar cheese, continuing to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
9. Transfer the melted cheese-topped patties onto lightly toasted hamburger buns.
10. Garnish with preferred condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, or mustard to complete the smash burger experience.

Notes

• Seasoning blend can be mixed ahead and stored in an airtight container for quick future use.
• Ensure ground beef is cold when forming balls to help maintain shape during cooking.
• Cast iron skillet provides perfect sear and develops delicious crispy edges on burger patties.
• Use high-fat ground beef (80/20) for juiciest and most flavorful smash burger results.
• Toasting buns directly on skillet adds extra crunch and enhances overall burger texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg