Quick Family-Approved Homemade Smash Burgers Recipe

Sizzling beef patties create pure magic when you master the homemade smash burgers technique that restaurant chefs swear by.

These irresistible burgers promise a crispy, golden-brown exterior with juicy, tender meat inside.

smash burgers deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen skillet.

The secret lies in pressing thin patties onto a screaming hot surface, creating delectable caramelized edges that lock in incredible taste.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crisp and succulent textures that will make your taste buds dance.

Professional chefs have long known this simple method produces the most incredible burger experience.

You’ll want to invite friends over and become the neighborhood burger master.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Behind Easy Homemade Smash Burgers

• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall burger flavor with clean, pure saltiness.
• Flavored Seasoning Salt: Adds complex, layered taste profile with aromatic herbs and spices.
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Introduces sharp, bold heat and robust earthy notes.
• Garlic Seasoning: Provides deep, pungent undertones that complement beef's richness.

• Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 blend for maximum juiciness and perfect fat-to-meat ratio. Look for fresh, bright red meat without brown edges. Grass-fed beef offers more intense flavor.

• Neutral Oil: Prevents sticking and helps create crispy, caramelized burger exterior. Canola works best due to high smoke point.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers tangy, creamy melting quality. Select aged varieties for more pronounced flavor.
• Hamburger Buns: Select soft, slightly sturdy buns that toast well and can hold burger's moisture.

• Pickles: Adds bright, vinegary crunch and cuts through meat's richness.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, crisp texture with mild pungent bite.
• Tomato: Introduces fresh, juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
• Lettuce: Offers cool, crisp layer with subtle green freshness.

Tools for Sizzling Smash Burger Results

• Cast iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for creating crispy burger edges.
• Spatula: Sturdy metal or flat tool for smashing and flipping burgers.
• Mixing bowl: Small container for combining burger seasonings.
• Measuring spoons: Precise tools for adding correct salt and spice amounts.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing burger meat and forming patties.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling hot burgers during cooking.

How to Make Smash Burgers on the Fly

• Seasoning Blend

Create a flavor-packed mix by combining different salts and spices for an explosive burger taste. The right seasoning transforms ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Burger Patty Technique

Gently shape ground beef into loose, imperfect balls that will become crispy, caramelized burger wonders. Place them on a scorching hot cast iron skillet, then use a spatula to smash them into thin, crisp patties that develop irresistible golden edges.

• Cheese and Assembly

Once the patties develop a gorgeous brown crust, flip them and crown with melty cheese. Let the cheese get all gooey and inviting. Transfer these flavor-packed beauties onto toasted buns and dress with your favorite toppings for a burger experience that will make taste buds dance with joy.

Tips for Juicier Easy Smash Burgers

• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture for deeper umami flavor that enhances the meat's natural richness.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or blue cheese to create unique burger profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Press the beef ball extra firmly when smashing to create an incredibly crispy, caramelized exterior that locks in juicy meat flavors and provides amazing textural contrast.
• Keep a pre-mixed spice blend in an airtight container for instant burger seasoning anytime you want to whip up a quick meal without measuring individual spices each time.

Serving Ideas for Smash Burgers Everyone Loves

• Tasty Topping Adventure: Layer classic favorites like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, thinly sliced red onions, and tangy pickles to create a vibrant burger experience that bursts with fresh flavors.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, creamy pepper jack, or smoky gouda to elevate the burger's richness and add a personal gourmet touch.
• Sauce Sensation: Whip up quick homemade sauces such as spicy sriracha mayo, zesty garlic aioli, or classic burger sauce to drizzle over the smash burger for an extra flavor kick that will make taste buds dance.
• Side Companion Delight: Pair your burger with crispy seasoned french fries, refreshing coleslaw, or a light mixed green salad to complete the meal and balance the burger's hearty profile.

Keeping Homemade Smash Burgers Fresh

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare burger seasoning mix in advance and store in an airtight container for quick weeknight cooking, saving you precious time during busy evenings.
• Freezer-Friendly Patties: Shape ground beef balls and place between wax paper layers in a sealed container, keeping them frozen for up to one month without losing quality or flavor.
• Refrigeration Tip: Store uncooked seasoned beef balls in an airtight container for 1-2 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing bacterial growth in your kitchen.
• Leftover Magic: Wrap cooled burgers individually in aluminum foil and refrigerate for 2-3 days, reheating in a skillet for 2 minutes to maintain crispy edges and juicy texture.

Juicy Homemade Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling beef smash burgers deliver ultimate backyard grilling satisfaction with crispy edges and juicy centers. Simple ingredients and quick cooking technique ensure restaurant-quality results that will impress everyone at your summer cookout.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted and split
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral oil, such as canola
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp flavored seasoning salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic seasoning
• Optional toppings: sliced pickles, thinly sliced red onion, tomato slices, and fresh lettuce

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend kosher salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl to create a potent flavor enhancer.
2. Meat Handling: Loosely form ground beef into delicate balls without compressing, maintaining a light, airy texture that promises juiciness.
3. Flavor Infusion: Thoroughly coat each beef ball with the seasoning mixture, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration.
4. Skillet Preparation: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, allowing surface to reach optimal searing temperature for approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Cooking Surface Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil across the skillet to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
6. Patty Formation and Initial Cooking: Carefully place beef balls onto hot skillet, immediately smashing with a sturdy spatula to create thin, crispy patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges transform into a golden, crisp crust.
7. Cheese Melting and Finishing: Flip patties, immediately crown with american or cheddar cheese, and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts luxuriously.
8. Assembly and Garnishing: Transfer cheese-topped patties onto lightly toasted hamburger buns, then embellish with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, or mustard to complete this mouthwatering smash burger masterpiece.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum juiciness and flavor development.
• Handle Gently: Avoid overworking meat balls to prevent tough burgers; loose formation ensures tender texture.
• Heat is Critical: Cast iron skillet must be hot enough to create signature crispy, caramelized exterior within minutes.
• Seasoning Technique: Apply spice blend generously before smashing to maximize flavor penetration and develop rich crust.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg