Cheesy Smash Burgers
Loose balls of ground beef are smashed flat on a very hot skillet for crispy edges, then topped with melted cheese and served on toasted buns.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Grill
- Griddle
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices cheese American or cheddar
- 4 burger buns
- 2 tbsp toppings lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles
Instructions
- Preheat a cast iron skillet, griddle or grill pan over medium high heat until very hot.
- Divide 1 pound beef into four loose balls of about 4 ounces each without compacting them.
- Place two balls on the hot surface, smash each flat with a firm spatula and season the tops with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes without moving, until the edges are crispy.
- Flip, top with 4 slices cheese and cook about one more minute, until the beef reaches 160 degrees F. Repeat with the remaining balls.
- Toast 4 buns, stack the patties on them and add 2 tablespoons toppings.
Notes
Use beef with enough fat, lean beef gets dry in a thin patty. Work in batches so the pan stays hot. Leftover patties keep up to three days and are ideal when reheated in a skillet. Nutrition is an estimate.