Description
These stovetop smash burgers are crispy, juicy, and ready in under 15 minutes. Using a simple technique of smashing ground beef on a hot skillet, you get a caramelized crust and tender center that beats takeout every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (700g) ground beef (80/20 blend, preferably chuck)
- Coarse kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 8 slices American cheese (or Provolone, Swiss, or Cheddar)
- 8 burger buns (potato or brioche)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Dill pickle chips, iceberg lettuce, tomato slices, ketchup, mustard
Instructions
- Slice onions into half-moons. Heat butter and olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and sugar, stirring to coat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and jammy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Portion ground beef into 4-ounce loose balls. Do not pack tightly. Place balls in the fridge to keep cold while heating the skillet.
- Heat a heavy cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot.
- Place a cold beef ball on the hot skillet. Cover with a square of parchment paper and smash flat with a heavy tool (like a glass measuring cup) until about 1/4 inch thick.
- Leave undisturbed for 2 minutes to form a crust. Do not peek or move the burger.
- Flip the patty quickly. Immediately place a slice of cheese on top. Toast buns in the same skillet using the beef fat.
- Assemble the burger: sauce on bottom bun, lettuce, tomato, cheesy patty, caramelized onions, and pickles. Serve immediately.
Notes
Keep beef balls cold until cooking to help them hold shape when smashed. Do not touch the burger for the first 2 minutes to ensure a good crust. Season only after smashing. For best results, use 80/20 fat content beef. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days but are best reheated in a skillet to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun, c
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 38
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Protein: 35
Keywords: smash burger, stovetop burger, quick dinner, homemade burger, crispy burger, ground beef recipe, weeknight dinner