Smash Burger

What’s Better Than a Smash Burger?

Forget everything you know about burgers because once you make a smash burger, your taste buds will embark on a wild ride! 🍔 Picture thick, juicy patties that sizzle on the grill, and crispy bacon that promises to take every bite to the next level. This recipe is quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying—a totally viral way to spice up your burger game at home!

Why Make This Recipe

Who wouldn’t fall in love with a smash burger? Here are a few reasons to get excited:

• Easy cleanup: Just one flat-top grill and you’re golden. Plus, who needs a pile of dishes?
• Budget-friendly: You get mouthwatering flavor without breaking the bank. Win-win!
• Family-friendly: Kids (and adults) can’t resist a burger. You might just become the family hero with this recipe!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 24 ounces ground beef (80/20)
• 8 strips bacon
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 small onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 8 slices cheddar cheese

Directions

Ready to smash your way to burger perfection? Here you go:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Portion the ground beef into 3-ounce sections and roll them into balls. You’ll end up with 8 portions.
3. Preheat your flat-top grill to medium. Cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, then place on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Add the butter to the grill and let it melt.
5. Toss in the onions, coating them in the melted butter. Season with a quarter of the seasoning mixture. Cook until they wilt and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Turn the heat to high and grease the flat-top with oil.
7. Season the balls of meat with some of the seasoning mixture on top.
8. Place the balls on the grill, seasoning side down.
9. Using a piece of parchment paper and a weight, smash each ball down as thin as you can, focusing on the edges.
10. Season the smashed side, and let it cook until lacy and brown around the edges, about 2 minutes.
11. Carefully flip the patty over using a scraper.
12. Brush the flipped side with BBQ sauce and immediately add a slice of cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
13. For doubles, stack one patty on top of another.
14. Remove from the grill and serve immediately with bacon and onions on your choice of buns.

How to Make Smash Burger (Overview)

Alright, let’s break this down. It’s really about just a few steps:

1. Prep the seasoning: Mix up your spices. Super easy!
2. Shape your patties: Roll the beef into balls. It’s like playing with play-dough!
3. Get grilling: Cook the bacon, then smash those meatballs flat.
4. Melt cheese: Add BBQ and cheese for that gooey factor. Who doesn’t love extra cheesiness? 😉
5. Assemble and enjoy: Pile on your bacon and onions, and you’re set.

Pro Tip

Don’t skip smashing those patties! It’s where the magic happens—those crispy edges are everything.

How to Serve Smash Burger

Time to get creative! Serve your smash burger on fluffy buns with:

• Crispy lettuce and ripe tomatoes for crunch and freshness.
• A drizzle of tangy mustard or rich mayo to amplify flavors.
• A side of crispy fries or sweet potato wedges for that ultimate comfort meal vibe.

You’ll know they’re done when the aroma fills your kitchen. Trust me, it’s heaven on a plate!

How to Store Smash Burger

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep that juicy goodness intact:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the cooked patties for up to a month—perfect for a future burger craving!
• For reheating, just pop them in the microwave or re-grill to refresh that delicious crispy texture.

Tips to Make Smash Burger

• Choose quality beef: Aim for an 80/20 blend. This gives you the right amount of fat for juicy burgers!
• Don’t rush the bacon: Crispy bacon is a must. It adds that crunch we all crave.
• Room temp meat: Let your beef sit out for about 15 minutes before cooking to help them sear perfectly.
• Experiment with toppings: Try different cheeses or add jalapeños for extra spice!

Variations

Want to change it up? Here’s how to add a twist:

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a spicy sauce.
• Vegan option: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute. Everyone deserves a smash burger!
• Different cheeses: Swap out cheddar for pepper jack or blue cheese for a gourmet flare.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I freeze the burgers?
Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

What can I use instead of beef?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute. Get creative!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Smash Burger

Enjoy thick, juicy patties with crispy bacon and melty cheese in this easy smash burger recipe; it's a quick and delicious meal perfect for any family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Burger Patties

• 24 ounces ground beef (80/20) Aim for an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Toppings

• 8 strips bacon Cook until crispy.
• 4 small onions, thinly sliced Cook with butter until browned.
• 8 slices cheddar cheese Add on top of the burger patties.
• 3 tablespoons butter Used for cooking onions.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Used to grease the grill.
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce Brush on the burger for added flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Portion the ground beef into 3-ounce sections and roll them into balls, resulting in 8 portions.

Cooking

1. Preheat your flat-top grill to medium. Cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, then place on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Add the butter to the grill and let it melt.
3. Toss in the onions, coating them in the melted butter. Season with a quarter of the seasoning mixture. Cook until they wilt and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Turn the heat to high and grease the flat-top with oil.
5. Season the balls of meat with some of the seasoning mixture on top.
6. Place the balls on the grill, seasoning side down.
7. Using a piece of parchment paper and a weight, smash each ball down as thin as you can, focusing on the edges.
8. Season the smashed side, and let it cook until lacy and brown around the edges, about 2 minutes.
9. Carefully flip the patty over using a scraper.
10. Brush the flipped side with BBQ sauce and immediately add a slice of cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
11. For doubles, stack one patty on top of another.
12. Remove from the grill and serve immediately with bacon and onions on your choice of buns.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze cooked patties for up to a month. Allow meat to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for optimal searing.