Smash Burger
Ever bitten into a burger that made you wonder if you’ve been living your life wrong?
Smash Burger is the answer to your burger cravings. This quick and juicy delight brings the best of both worlds — crispy edges and a tender middle. With flavors oozing from melted cheese and crispy bacon, this recipe is sure to be your new favorite! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up. Let’s dive in and make burger magic happen!
Why make this recipe
What’s not to love about Smash Burgers? Here’s why this recipe will steal your heart:
- Quick Cleanup: Who needs a mess after a delicious meal? With just one grill and a few ingredients, you’ll enjoy your feast and have a spotless kitchen in no time.
- Affordability: Ground beef, bacon, and cheese — it doesn’t get much cheaper than that! You can treat your family to a gourmet meal without breaking the bank.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love to impress their friends with dinner that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant? 😉
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 24 ounces ground beef (80/20)
- 8 strips bacon
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 small onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slices Cheddar cheese
Directions:
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for that perfect Smash Burger:
- In a small bowl, stir together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Portion the ground beef into 3-ounce sections. Roll them into balls (you’ll have 8 portions).
- Preheat your flat-top grill to medium. Cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add butter to the grill and let it melt.
- Add the onions to the grill, tossing them in the butter. Season with a sprinkle of your seasoning mixture. Cook until they wilt and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Take off the heat.
- Turn up the heat to high and grease the grill with vegetable oil.
- Season the meatballs with some of the seasoning on top.
- Place the balls, seasoned side down, onto the grill. Using a piece of parchment paper and a weight, smash each ball down as thin as you can — really focus on the edges for that perfect crisp.
- After smashing, season the exposed side. Cook until it looks lacey and browns around the edges, about 2 minutes.
- Using a scraper, flip the patty over. Brush with BBQ sauce and immediately add a slice of cheese. Cook until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- For doubles, stack one patty atop another.
- Serve immediately with crispy bacon and sautéed onions on the buns of your choice.
How to make Smash Burger (Overview)
Making Smash Burgers is a breeze! You’ll start by mixing up the seasonings and prepping your beef — remember, rolling them into balls is key. Then, it’s time to fire up the grill and get that bacon crispy! Sauté your onions in butter before moving on to the main event: smashing the beef balls down until they sizzle. Flip them for a cheese-melting moment, and voilà — you’ve got yourself a mouthwatering burger!
Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic in the seasoning mix; it makes all the difference in flavor!
How to serve Smash Burger
Serve your Smash Burgers on toasted buns for a delightful crunch. Add a dollop of pickles, a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce, or a splash of hot sauce for that kick! Picture the golden cheese melting, the smoky flavor from the bacon, and those tender, caramelized onions all coming together for a divine experience. The colors are sure to wow your guests!
How to store Smash Burger
These burgers are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Need a meal prepped for later? Wrap the patties tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet for that warm, crispy goodness!
Tips to make Smash Burger
- Use a hot grill: The hotter, the better! It gets that beautiful crust on the outside.
- Experiment with toppings: Want to spice it up? Try adding jalapeños or avocado — your taste buds will thank you!
- Burgers, no buns?: Lettuce wraps are a great low-carb alternative!
- Cooking in batches?: Keep the cooked patties warm in a low-heat oven.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative for a healthier or vegan option! You can even experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy twist. Endless possibilities await!
FAQs
Can I make Smash Burgers ahead of time?
You can prep the meatballs and make the onions in advance for a quick cook later.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative to suit your dietary needs.
How do I keep burger patties from sticking to the grill?
Grease your grill well and make sure it’s hot before adding the patties — the sizzling will help release them easily!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Smash Burger
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, stir together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Portion the ground beef into 3-ounce sections and roll them into balls (you’ll have 8 portions).
- Preheat your flat-top grill to medium.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add butter to the grill and let it melt.
- Add the onions to the grill, tossing them in the butter. Season with some of the seasoning mixture. Cook until they wilt and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Turn up the heat to high and grease the grill with vegetable oil.
- Season the meatballs with some of the seasoning on top.
- Place the balls, seasoned side down, onto the grill. Using a piece of parchment paper and a weight, smash each ball down as thin as you can — focus on the edges for that perfect crisp.
- After smashing, season the exposed side. Cook until it looks lacey and browns around the edges, about 2 minutes.
- Using a scraper, flip the patty over. Brush with BBQ sauce and immediately add a slice of cheese. Cook until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- For doubles, stack one patty atop another.
- Serve immediately with crispy bacon and sautéed onions on the buns of your choice.
