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Easy Homemade Smash Burger Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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