Smash Burger with Easy Sauce Best Meal
Craving a smash burger that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with flavor, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Look no further! This easy smash burger recipe delivers that iconic diner-style burger that satisfies every time, all in less than 30 minutes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare a smash burger with perfectly crispy edges, tender beef patties, melty cheddar cheese, and a tangy burger sauce. It’s the ideal solution for anyone who wants a quick, satisfying meal with bold flavors—without the need for special equipment or fancy ingredients. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Smash Burger?
A smash burger is a simple, no-fuss burger that is made by “smashing” a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle or skillet, creating thin patties with crispy, caramelized edges.
The technique is what sets smash burgers apart from traditional burgers. The result is a juicy, flavorful burger that cooks in minutes, and the edges get delightfully crispy, making each bite irresistible.
What makes the smash burger extra special is the combination of a flavorful patty, melty cheese, a tangy sauce, and fresh toppings, all tucked between a soft, toasted bun.
And because of the “smash” technique, you don’t need to wait for the patties to cook for long—they cook quickly, retaining all the juiciness and flavor. This is the ultimate quick-and-easy burger solution!
Ingredients for Smash Burger with Easy Sauce
To make a smash burger with easy sauce, you don’t need much. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20) – The perfect fat-to-lean ratio to ensure a juicy and flavorful burger.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning the patties and bringing out the natural flavor of the beef.
- Black Pepper – For a mild kick of spice, balancing the richness of the beef.
- Garlic Powder (optional) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a cleaner taste.
- 4 slices medium cheddar cheese – Use thick slices for that perfect gooey melt.
For the Burger Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard – For a tangy punch.
For the Toppings:
- 4 burger buns (brioche buns recommended) – Soft and slightly sweet, these buns are ideal for holding the juicy patties.
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce – Fresh, crunchy lettuce adds texture.
- 1 large tomato, sliced – Sweet, juicy tomato slices to balance the richness.
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced into rings – For a mild sharpness.
- 2 dill pickles, sliced into 12 rounds – A tangy crunch to complete the burger.
How to Make Smash Burger with Easy Sauce
Making this smash burger is simple and quick. Here’s how you can prepare it:
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties
Start by dividing the ground beef into 8 equal portions, each about 3 ounces. Roll each portion into a loose ball. Place the balls in the refrigerator while you prepare the other ingredients. Cold patties sear better and create that crispy, golden edge.
Step 2: Prep the Toppings and Buns
- Shred the iceberg lettuce finely, removing any wilted leaves.
- Slice the tomato, onion, and pickles.
- Butter the buns lightly and toast them in a skillet or on a griddle, cut-side down, over medium heat until they’re golden brown.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Preheat your griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Place 2 to 4 burger balls on the hot surface. Immediately cover each ball with parchment paper and smash it down firmly with a spatula or burger press to create a thin patty.
Remove the parchment paper and season the patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add a little burger sauce to each patty as it cooks.
Let the patties cook for about 2 minutes until they’re nicely browned, and juices begin to rise to the top. Flip the patties with a spatula at a 45° angle to maintain the seared crust.
Cook for another minute, then place cheese slices on top of half the patties. Add the remaining patties on top to form double stacks, and remove from heat once the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
Spread the burger sauce on the bottom of each toasted bun. Layer 3 pickle slices, shredded lettuce, 2 tomato slices, and a few onion rings. Place the double-patty stack on top and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Smash Burger
To make sure your smash burger turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose the Right Ground Beef
For juicy and flavorful smash burgers, opt for ground beef with an 80/20 fat-to-lean ratio. This gives you the right balance of moisture and flavor. Leaner beef can result in dry, bland burgers, so stick with this ratio for the best results.
2. Preheat Your Cooking Surface
To get that crispy edge on your smash burger, ensure that your griddle or skillet is preheated until it’s smoking hot. This helps create the caramelized crust that makes smash burgers so irresistible.
3. Don’t Overwork the Meat
When forming the patties, avoid overworking the ground beef. Too much handling can make the patties tough. Just gently form them into loose balls, and let the cooking process do the rest.
4. Smash Early and Firmly
The key to achieving the signature crispy edges of a smash burger is to press the meat firmly onto the hot surface right after placing it down. Don’t press too much after that, as you’ll risk squeezing out the juices.
5. Melt the Cheese Perfectly
To get that melty cheese on your smash burger, add the cheese right after flipping the patties. Cover the skillet with a lid or a metal bowl to trap heat and help the cheese melt evenly without overcooking the burger.
Why You Should Try Smash Burger with Easy Sauce
If you’ve never had a smash burger, you’re in for a treat. The crispy, caramelized crust combined with the juicy, tender patty creates the ultimate burger experience.
The easy burger sauce adds just the right amount of tang, and the fresh toppings elevate the flavors even further. All this comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, or when you just want a satisfying burger without all the hassle.
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for Smash Burgers?
While it may be tempting to use leaner beef, it’s best to stick with ground beef that has an 80/20 fat-to-lean ratio. This balance ensures juicy, flavorful patties.
Leaner beef will result in drier burgers, which defeats the purpose of a smash burger.
How Do I Prevent the Patties from Sticking?
To prevent sticking, ensure your griddle or skillet is properly preheated. The surface should be hot enough to sear the patties without sticking.
Additionally, keep your patties cold before cooking and use a sharp, thin spatula or putty knife to flip the patties.
What’s the Secret to Achieving Crispy Edges on Smash Burgers?
The key is to press the meat ball onto the hot cooking surface early and firmly. This creates the crispy, caramelized crust. Avoid pressing the patties multiple times, as this can release juices and reduce the crispiness.
Can I Prepare the Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties ahead of time. Form the patties, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This makes the cooking process faster and allows the flavors to meld.
Conclusion
Smash burgers are the perfect way to enjoy a juicy, flavorful burger without the wait. With a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking method, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
The key to the perfect smash burger is choosing the right ground beef, ensuring your cooking surface is hot, and pressing the patties firmly for that crispy, caramelized edge. Try this easy recipe today, and you’ll see why smash burgers are all the rage.
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