Easy Homemade Smash Burger Recipe

Introduction

The smash burger is a beloved classic known for its crispy, caramelized crust and juicy interior. Using simple ingredients and a quick cooking method, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual weekend cookout.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 4 slices Cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and garlic powder. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 4 balls and place on a large plate. Season with salt and pepper, then roll the balls around to coat the sides in any salt and pepper that landed on the plate.
3. Step 3: Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
4. Step 4: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Place a ball onto the pan and immediately smash down with a large metal spatula to about 1/4 inch thickness. Repeat with the other burgers.
5. Step 5: Cook the smash burgers for 3-4 minutes, until the edges near the bottom form a dark brown crust.
6. Step 6: Slide the spatula under each burger and flip. Top each burger with cheese, if using. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, or until done to your liking.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use a heavy spatula or a small pot lid to smash down the patties evenly.
• Swap cheddar for Swiss, American, or pepper jack cheese depending on your preference.
• Adding finely chopped onions to the meat mixture can boost flavor but avoid overmixing to keep the burger tender.
• Serve on toasted buns with your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and special sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crisp edges, or microwave covered for shorter times. For best results, prepare fresh patties but cooked burgers hold well when properly stored.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use lean ground beef for smash burgers?

It’s best to use ground beef with around 20% fat content (80/20) to ensure juicy patties and the characteristic crispy crust. Lean beef may result in drier burgers.

Do I need to press the burgers down with a spatula?

Yes, smashing the beef balls immediately after placing them in the pan creates more surface contact, leading to a flavorful crust. Pressing too late or skipping this step will not produce the signature texture.

Easy Homemade Smash Burger Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

A deliciously crispy and flavorful Smash Burger recipe that involves smashing ground beef patties on a hot skillet to create a perfect crust, seasoned simply with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Optional cheddar cheese adds a melty finish. Quick to prepare and cook, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying homemade burger experience.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Burger Patties

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
• 4 slices Cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and garlic powder. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat which can make the burgers tough.
2. Form and Season the Balls: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal balls and place them on a large plate. Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the balls, then roll each ball around on the plate so the sides are coated evenly with the seasoning.
3. Chill the Patties: Cover the plate tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, up to 24 hours, which helps the flavors marry and firms up the patties for better smashing.
4. Heat the Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot and shimmering, which ensures a good sear when you cook the burgers.
5. Smash the Patties: Place one meat ball into the skillet and immediately smash it down firmly with a large metal spatula to about 1/4 inch thickness. Repeat for the other patties.
6. Cook the First Side: Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes without moving them, allowing the edges and bottom to develop a dark brown, crispy crust.
7. Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully slide the spatula under each patty and flip it over. If desired, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each burger.
8. Finish Cooking: Cook the flipped patties for another 1 to 2 minutes until they reach your preferred doneness and the cheese melts.

Notes

• Do not overwork the ground beef when mixing to keep burgers tender.
• Chilling the patties before cooking helps achieve a better sear and texture.
• Use a sturdy spatula to smash the patties evenly and thinly for the characteristic crispy edges.
• Optional cheese adds richness, but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
• Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments.

Keywords: Smash Burger, Crispy Burger, Ground Beef Burger, Quick Homemade Burger, Skillet Burger