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Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

This Smash Burgers recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy juicy, flavorful burgers with a perfectly crispy crust. Made with seasoned ground chuck and cooked in a skillet, these burgers are topped with melted cheddar cheese and served on toasted buns, ready to be customized with your favorite toppings. Ideal for a fast and satisfying meal, these smash burgers combine easy preparation with bold, classic flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1¼ pounds ground chuck (80% lean ground beef)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Heaping ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ tablespoon vegetable oil, for cooking
  • 4 slices Cheddar cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns (lightly toasted, if desired)

Burger Toppings

  • Burger toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Avoid adding salt at this stage. Mix well using your hands to ensure all seasonings are evenly incorporated. Then, divide the mixture into four large meatballs weighing about 4½ ounces each. Flatten each into roughly 1-inch-thick discs and smooth the edges. Refrigerate the patties for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours covered until ready to cook.
  2. Cook the Burgers: Place a 12-inch cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and turn on your kitchen exhaust fan. Take the patties out of the fridge and season both sides generously with kosher salt. Add the vegetable oil to the hot pan and coat it evenly. Place one patty at a time into the skillet and immediately press down firmly with a metal spatula to flatten the patty to about ¼-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining patties. Cook the patties for about 2 minutes without moving until a brown, crispy crust forms on the bottom. Flip each burger, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top, and cook for 2 minutes for medium-rare to medium, or 3 minutes for medium to medium-well doneness.
  3. Assemble and Serve: Remove the cooked burgers from the skillet and place them on the lightly toasted hamburger buns. Add your preferred burger toppings and serve immediately while hot and juicy.
  4. Freezer-Friendly Storage: To freeze, place uncooked patties on a baking sheet or plate and freeze until solid to maintain shape. Transfer to a sealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.

Notes

  • Do not add salt to the meat mixture before forming patties as it can alter the texture.
  • Press the patties firmly onto the skillet to create a crispy crust that defines smash burgers.
  • Use a metal spatula for better smashing and easier flipping.
  • Adjust cooking time depending on your preferred level of doneness.
  • For best flavor, use freshly ground black pepper and quality Worcestershire sauce.
  • Make sure to preheat the skillet adequately to get a nice sear.
  • These burgers can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, making meal planning more convenient.