Description
This smash burger features juicy, crispy-edged beef patties, melty American cheese, and a tangy homemade sauce, all nestled in toasted brioche buns. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices American cheese
4 brioche burger buns
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, sliced tomatoes, diced onions
For the Easy Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles or relish
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles or relish, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Toast the cut side of each brioche bun until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 loose balls (about 4 oz each) without packing them tightly.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on high heat. Place each beef ball on the hot surface and smash it down immediately using a heavy spatula or burger press until about 1/4-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy and dark brown. Flip, top with a slice of cheese, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Spread the easy sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Add the patties and your choice of toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for best flavor and juiciness.
Preheat the skillet thoroughly to get crispy edges.
The sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 5 days.
Customize with your favorite toppings or switch cheeses for variety.
Store leftover patties in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
