← Back to 30-Minute Dinners · Comfort Food · Smash Burgers
520 cal28g protein28g carbs32g fat680mg sodium
Estimated, per serving — stays per-serving no matter how many you cook for.
Everyday 25nothing beyond the everyday cabinet
Smash Burgers
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Comfort Food20 minBeginner friendly
Serves−4+· written for 4 — change it and the ingredients follow
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Ingredients
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ground beef (80/20)1 lb
kosher salt1 tsp
black pepper0.5 tsp
hamburger bunspotato buns are the classic; brioche or sesame work too4 count
American cheeseor cheddar4 slices
butterfor toasting buns1 tbsp
lettuceoptional4 leaves
tomatosliced, optional1 medium
onionthinly sliced, optional0.5 medium
dill pickle chipsoptional0.5 cups
Cook it to
Ground beef160°F / 71°C
USDA minimum internal temperatures. Measure at the thickest part, away from bone.
Allergies at the table? The final check is always yours. Ingredients and "may contain" warnings vary by brand — read every label, every time.
Goes well withMost sides finish faster than the main — start the quick ones last so everything lands hot.
Need a conversion?Cups to grams, Fahrenheit to fan — convert anything at BetterCalculator.
Steps
1Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Do not form them into balls—just make loose piles on a piece of parchment.
2Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it's smoking hot (about 3 minutes).
3Working one at a time, place a beef portion on the hot skillet, then immediately press it flat with a burger press or the bottom of a measuring cup with real force—hold the pressure for 15–20 seconds. You want a thin, flat patty about the size of your bun. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4Cook without moving for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is deeply browned and crispy. Flip once.
5Immediately top with a slice of cheese, cook for another 60–90 seconds, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining patties.
6Toast the buns in the same skillet with a little butter until golden.
7Build your burgers with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, or just cheese and bread—whatever you like.