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Smashed Cheeseburger Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

A quick and delicious smashed cheeseburger recipe featuring tender ground beef patties cooked to perfection in a hot skillet, topped with melted cheese and your favorite classic condiments on a buttered toasted bun.

Ingredients

Burger Components

  • 1 soft hamburger roll, buttered and toasted
  • Condiments and toppings as desired, such as mayonnaise, mustard, shredded lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and pickles
  • 1 slice good melting cheese, such as American, cheddar, or homemade melting cheese

Burger Patties

  • 4 ounces (110 g) freshly ground beef chuck, divided into 2 (2-ounce; 55 g) balls
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bun and Toppings: Lay out the bottom half of your buttered and toasted hamburger roll. Add your desired condiments and toppings such as mayonnaise, mustard, shredded lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and pickles so it’s ready for the cooked patties.
  2. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large stainless steel sauté pan or skillet over high heat for about 2 minutes until very hot to ensure a good sear on the patties.
  3. Form and Smash Patties: Place the two balls of ground beef into the hot pan. Using a stiff metal spatula and pressing down with a second spatula to add pressure, smash each ball into a patty that’s slightly wider than the bun to allow for shrinkage during cooking.
  4. Season and Cook First Side: Generously season the smashed patties with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 45 seconds until well browned on the bottom and the tops start to transition from red to pale pink and gray in spots.
  5. Scrape and Flip Patties: Carefully scrape up the browned patties and the delicious browned bits from the pan using a bench scraper or the back of a spatula. Flip the patties, then immediately place a slice of cheese over one patty and stack the other patty directly on top, creating a double cheeseburger.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the stacked patties from the pan right away to prevent overcooking. Transfer them onto the prepared bun with toppings, assemble the burger, and serve immediately while hot and melty.

Notes

  • Use a well-heated stainless steel skillet for optimal crust formation on the patties.
  • The smashing technique ensures a deliciously crispy edge and juicy interior.
  • Adjust seasoning to your taste, but don't skimp on salt to enhance the beef flavor.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese melt and fresh toppings at their best.
  • Feel free to customize toppings based on preference or dietary needs.