Crispy-edged smashed beef, melty cheese, tangy secret sauce and toasted buns — diner-style burgers in 25 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Smash burgers
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend), divided into four portions
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 4 slices American cheese or cheddar
05 - 4 soft hamburger buns
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for toasting buns
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
09 - 8 dill pickle chips
→ Secret sauce
10 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
11 - 1 1/2 tbsp ketchup
12 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
13 - 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
14 - 1 tsp white vinegar
15 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
16 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
17 - Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, finely chopped pickles, white vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika and cayenne in a small bowl; whisk until smooth, then refrigerate until needed.
02 - Divide the ground beef into four even portions (about 4 oz each) and gently form loose balls without compressing the meat.
03 - Melt butter in a skillet or on the griddle over medium heat, place buns cut-side down and toast until golden brown; transfer to a plate and keep warm.
04 - Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot to ensure rapid searing and crisp edges.
05 - Arrange the beef balls on the hot surface with space between them; using a heavy spatula or press, firmly smash each ball to about 1/4-inch thickness and immediately season with salt and pepper.
06 - Cook undisturbed for approximately 2 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crisp; flip each patty, place a cheese slice on top and cook for another 1 minute until cheese melts.
07 - Spread secret sauce on both bun halves, layer shredded lettuce, pickles and sliced onion on the bottom bun, set the cheesy patty on top and cap with the toasted top bun.
08 - Serve while hot to preserve crisp edges and melted cheese; accompany with fries or a cold lager if desired.
