Classic American Smash Burger
Juicy beef patties smashed thin for crispy, caramelized edges, topped with cheese.
The secret to the ultimate diner-style cheeseburger is smashing the beef patties onto a ripping-hot cast-iron griddle, locking in the juices and creating a crispy, intensely flavored crust. Served on a toasted brioche bun.
Key Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Large Non-Stick Skillet
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Mise en Place: Measure and prep all ingredients before you turn on the stove. This recipe moves quickly, and having everything ready prevents burning.
- Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs instead of dried/jarred versions. The flavor difference is huge!
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Leave room between ingredients. If the pan is overloaded, the moisture will steam the food instead of browning it.
Ingredients
2
servings
-
8 oz ground beef (80/20 blend), divided into 4 balls
-
2 slices American cheese
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2 brioche burger buns, split and buttered
-
4 slices dill pickle chips
-
2 tbsp burger sauce (mayo + ketchup + relish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Toast Buns
Heat a dry cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the buttered brioche buns cut-side down in the pan. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and warm. Remove and set aside.
Smash the Beef
Increase heat to high until the skillet is smoking hot. Place two 2-ounce ground beef balls in the pan. Immediately press down firmly with a heavy metal spatula (and a rolling pin or weight on top) for 10 seconds to smash them ultra-flat.
Flip and Cheese
Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the edges are dark brown and caramelized. Scrape underneath the patty and flip. Place a slice of American cheese on top and cook for 1 minute until cheese melts.
Assemble
Spread burger sauce on the bottom buns. Place a slice of pickle, stack two cheese-melted patties on top, cover with top bun, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow the food to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
We do not recommend freezing this dish, as dairy-based sauces and creamy textures tend to separate and curdle when thawed.
Use our interactive servings adjuster at the top of the ingredients list! Simply click the '+' or '-' buttons to automatically scale all ingredient quantities up or down to match your guest count.
Absolutely! For gluten-free modifications, swap standard grains or soy sauces with tamari or certified gluten-free options. For plant-based alternatives, choose coconut milk or vegetable broth in place of dairy and chicken products.