Smashburger Recipe

This smashburger recipe turns seasoned ground chuck into thin, juicy burgers with a crisp, browned crust. The quick stovetop method is easy to adapt for cheeseburgers or your preferred toppings, making it a practical choice for a weeknight meal. Allow about 20 minutes according to the recipe timing, though cooking in batches may take longer.

Ingredients for This Smashburger Recipe

• Ground chuck: Use 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef for a juicy result.
• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon adds savory flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon brings depth to the beef.
• Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon.
• Onion powder: ¼ teaspoon.
• Salt and black pepper: Season the patties just before cooking.
• Oil: Use canola or vegetable oil, or butter, to coat the hot skillet.

For serving, prepare hamburger buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, American cheese, and condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or barbecue sauce. Choose and prepare toppings before cooking, since the patties cook quickly.

The 80/20 fat ratio helps keep the burgers moist. Leaner ground beef, turkey, or chicken can also be used, but the patties may turn out drier. If changing the meat, cook it to a safe internal temperature for that type of meat.

How to Make Smashburgers

1. Season the beef. Add the ground chuck, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to a bowl. Mix with clean hands just until combined; overmixing can make the patties dense.
2. Shape and chill. Divide the mixture into four or five balls and place them on a plate. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes. For medium-thickness burgers, aim for about ¼ pound of beef per patty.
3. Heat the skillet. Set a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot, then carefully add a thin coating of oil. Keep toppings and buns nearby so they are ready when the burgers are done.
4. Smash the patties. Season the beef balls with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in the skillet. After 30 seconds, flatten each one with a burger press or sturdy spatula. Cook for about another 1 minute and 30 seconds, or roughly 2 minutes total before flipping.
5. Flip and finish. Turn the patties over, press them again, and cook for about 2 more minutes. For cheeseburgers, add cheese just after flipping so it has time to melt.
6. Serve. Toast the buns and assemble the burgers with your chosen vegetables and sauces.

A hot skillet helps create the browned crust, but it can also cause oil to splatter. Use a long-handled spatula or press carefully, and consider wearing an oven mitt and long sleeves while cooking.

Smashburger Recipe Tips

• A burger press is useful, but a sturdy spatula works if you do not have one. Press firmly to flatten the patty, taking care to keep your hand away from the hot pan.
• For thinner patties, divide the beef into smaller portions. Thinner burgers cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Cook in batches if needed. Crowding the skillet can make it harder to maintain high heat and brown the patties evenly.
• For food safety, check the center with a meat thermometer. Ground beef should reach 160°F. Check the temperature before serving rather than relying only on the color of the meat.

What to Serve with Burgers

Pair these burgers with a side that suits your meal, whether you want something crisp, creamy, or hearty. Prepare chilled salads ahead of time to make serving easier.

• Brown sugar baked fries
• Baked sweet potato fries
• Air fryer French fries or sweet potato fries
• Potato salad or macaroni salad
• Seven-layer salad, broccoli salad, or pea salad
• Baked beans or tomato burrata

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a burger a smashburger?

A smashburger is made by pressing a ball of ground meat flat against a very hot cooking surface. The thin patty cooks quickly, and contact with the hot skillet creates a browned, crisp exterior.

Do you flip a smashburger?

Yes. Cook one side first, then flip the patty and cook the other side. The recipe calls for about 2 minutes on each side, with the first side pressed after 30 seconds.

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 burgers
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

The cooking time is an estimate and may vary depending on skillet size, heat, and whether you cook the patties in batches.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chuck (80/20 hamburger)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for the skillet

Equipment

• Burger press or sturdy spatula
• Large cast-iron skillet

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving: 295 calories, 23 g fat, 9 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 10 g monounsaturated fat, 81 mg cholesterol, 383 mg sodium, 353 mg potassium, 1 g carbohydrates, 0.1 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 20 g protein, 3 IU vitamin A, 1 mg vitamin C, 26 mg calcium, and 3 mg iron. Values are estimates and can vary with ingredient choices and serving size. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Make This Smashburger Recipe Your Own

Keep the cooking method simple, then customize the finished burgers with cheese, vegetables, and sauces. For the best texture, use 80/20 ground chuck, avoid overmixing, and cook the patties on a properly heated skillet. This smashburger recipe is an easy starting point for a quick burger night.