Get ready to drool over these super easy smash burgers! They’re juicy, they’re tasty, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for impressing your pals at any gathering!
Burger night just got way more exciting (and easy)! Imagine having mouthwatering fast-food style burgers made effortlessly in your own kitchen. And to top it off, my special Bitchin’ sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick you won’t want to pass up. These burgers are a household favorite, unmatched by anything we’ve tried in Cleveland. Plus, they’re ready in a flash, leaving you craving seconds after the first bite! If you’re a smash burger fanatic like myself, I highly recommend investing in a burger press. It creates a thinner patty than a spatula and gets the edges of the meat nice and crispy. If you are in a pinch and don’t have one, a spatula will work just fine. I hope you enjoy these epic burgers!
Table of Contents
- Recipe walk-through
- Video
- Similar recipe ideas
- Kitchen tools required
- Recipe FAQs
- Spotify playlists paired with this recipe
How to Make Easy Smash Burgers
Watch the Video for Easy Smash Burgers
More Beef Recipe Ideas
- Instant Pot Beef Stew with Red Wine
- Ground Beef Ramen Noodle Stir Fry
- Crispy Beer Braised Beef Tacos with Chipotle Honey and Bacon Jam
- Maple Stout Beef Ragu
Kitchen Tools Required
- large cast-iron skillet or griddle
- burger press
- spatula
- basting brush
- 2 small mixing bowls
- measuring cups + spoons
FAQ
Can I make this with plant-based meat?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with any plant based beef like Beyond Beef.
What if I don’t have a burger press?
While I highly recommend investing in a burger press, you can alternately use a heavy duty metal spatula instead. The key with smash burgers is to press the meat as flat as possible, so keep that in mind if using a spatula.
What toppings go best with a smash burger?
A smash burger is meant to be simple and delicious, so I personally prefer minimal toppings. I’ve paired these burgers with my signature Bitchin’ sauce, which is a creamier, tangier version of ketchup. I think a few sliced red onions or pickles work best to add some crunch and texture, but the toppings are totally up to your preference!
Easy Smash Burgers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers 1x
Description
Get ready to drool over these super easy smash burgers! They’re juicy, they’re tasty, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for impressing your pals at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tbsp water
- salt + black pepper as needed
- 6 slices American cheese
- 6 brioche buns
- your favorite burger toppings!
Bitchin’ Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup steak sauce
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the bitchin’ sauce: In a small bowl, whisk all of the bitchin’ sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the mayonnaise mixture: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and water. Set aside (This mixture will be added to the burgers while cooking to provide additional moisture. If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can omit this step).
- Preheat your cast iron skillet: Place a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. You want the skillet to be very hot by the time you’re ready to start cooking the burgers. Turn on your kitchen vent as it will get quite smoky once the burgers hit the skillet.
- Prepare the beef patties: Divide the ground beef into 12 equal sized rounds. If you have a scale, each round should weigh about 75g.
- Get organized: Once you start cooking the burgers, the process will move very quickly. Make sure you have the mayonnaise mixture, salt and pepper, and cheese slices ready near your cooking station. You will also need a basting brush, burger press, and spatula.
- Smash the burgers: Spray the skillet generously with nonstick spray. Working with 2 beef rounds at a time, place each round in the skillet then use a burger press to smash the patties (press hard to make the patties as thin as possible).
- Season the burgers: Immediately after smashing the patties, use a basting brush to spread a thin layer of the mayonnaise mixture over each patty if desired. Season each patty with salt and pepper then flip and smash the patties again.
- Top with cheese: Place 1 slice of cheese over each patty, then let cook for about 30 seconds until the cheese begins to melt slightly. Remove the patties from the skillet, then stack the patties on top of one another. Set aside on a plate. Repeat steps 6-8 with the remaining beef rounds.
- Serve and enjoy: Once you’ve cooked all 12 beef patties, assemble your burgers. Place the stacked burgers on a bun topped with a spoonful of bitchin’ sauce and any additional toppings you desire. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 681
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 985mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Did you make this recipe? Tag @bitchininthekitchen__ on Instagram + #bitchinfoodthatslaps