Learn how to make a delicious and juicy smash burger that will satisfy all your burger cravings. Perfect for any meal, family gatherings or outdoor barbecue, this recipe is the ultimate burger lover’s dream.
A smash burger is a thin, crispy-edged beef patty made by smashing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle or skillet, creating a flavorful crust thanks to the Maillard reaction. It’s fast, juicy, and super satisfying.
Smashing the burger increases surface contact with the pan, creating a deliciously crispy crust and locking in juices for big flavor in every bite.
Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of fat and flavor. Avoid lean meat, which can dry out.
Not necessarily. A metal spatula or burger press works best, but anything flat and sturdy (like a cast iron press) will do the job.
They’re typically very thin, about 1/4 inch or less, with crispy edges and a juicy center.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side on high heat. Don’t flip too early, wait until the edges are crispy and brown.
Smash burgers are thinner, crispier, and cooked quickly at high heat, while regular burgers are often thicker and juicier in the center.
Yes! Use a cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan, just make sure it’s hot and flat for the best sear.
Smash Burger
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices Cheese optional
- Tomatoes sliced, optional
- leaves lettuce optional
- onions sliced, optional
- Condiments ketchup, mayo, mustard, etc.
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Season each portion of ground beef with salt and pepper.
- Place a portion of ground beef onto the skillet or griddle.
- Using a spatula, press down on the ground beef to flatten it into a thin patty.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the burger is browned and cooked to your liking.
- Optional: Add a slice of cheese on top of the burger patty and allow it to melt.
- Remove the cooked burger patty from the skillet or griddle and place it onto a bun.
- Add desired toppings such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce leaves, sliced onions, and condiments.
- Repeat steps 4-9 for the remaining portions of ground beef.
- Serve the smash burgers hot and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for the Ultimate Smash Burger
🔥 Use High-Fat Beef:Choose ground beef with at least 20% fat (80/20) — the fat helps create a crispy, flavorful crust when smashed. 🔥 Preheat the Griddle or Pan:
Get your surface screaming hot before adding the meat. This is key for achieving that signature golden-brown sear. 🔥 Don’t Overwork the Meat:
Form loose balls of ground beef without packing them tightly. This keeps the burgers juicy and tender after smashing. 🔥 Smash Immediately:
Place the beef ball on the hot surface and smash it flat with a heavy spatula right away — thinner patties mean more delicious crispy edges. 🔥 Season After Smashing:
Sprinkle salt and pepper right after smashing to ensure it sticks to the surface and seasons the crust perfectly. 🔥 Quick Cook Time:
Smash burgers cook fast — about 2 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. 🔥 Stack for Extra Flavor:
Double up with two thin patties for the ultimate smash burger experience, layering with melty cheese between them.
Nutrition
These burgers are amazing! So juicy and the cheese just melts perfectly. My family loved them!
Pretty basic recipe, but it worked. I wish it had more spices though.
I totally get you! A little more spice would make it really pop! Maybe try adding some paprika or garlic powder next time.
Super easy recipe! Even kids loved it! 😋
Looks simple, but missin’ some info on cookin’ temp and stuff. I guess I’ll wing it.
I don’t get the hype about smash burgers. They just taste like regular burgers!
These burgers were incredible! Juicy and full of flavor.
Who needs all those toppings? Just ketchup is enough for me. Simplify!
I think toppings make it special! Just ketchup is kinda boring, don’t you think?
Ketchup? Really? You’re missing out on all the good stuff! But hey, to each their own!
This is just a regular burger recipe but you call it smash? I dunno, man.
I think the ‘smash’ technique really changes the game! It gets a nice crust on the patty. Can’t wait to try it!
It’s just a burger, my dude. Why not just call it a burger? Smash or not, what’s the big deal?
Tasted great, but I messed up the cooking times. Mine were a bit burnt. Oops!
Just burger, buns and cheese! Why complicate things? Simple, good food!
Easy recipe but I messed up the timing, burgers were tough. Next time, paying more attention!
Burgers tough? How do you mess that up? Maybe try a timer next time. 🤔
Timing is everything! You’ll get it right next time. Just gotta stay focused! 😊
Super yummy! Just used some BBQ sauce instead of ketchup and it was delish!
Who needs cheese? I just use extra ketchup. Very good, best smash burger!
Ketchup instead of cheese? That’s a bold choice! But I guess it works for you. 🍔
I can hardly read this recipe! More details please? Like how long to preheat the skillet?
Just made these for dinner and everyone loved them!! So easy and sooo yummy 🤤
Is it really right to call it a smash burger if I didn’t smash it? Idk.
These burgers are just amazing! So easy to make and they taste fantastic.
I agree! These burgers are seriously the best. I made them last weekend and everyone loved them!
Wow, this recipe was a hit at my BBQ! Everyone loved them. Thanks!
Perfectly med-well and flavorful. Definitely recommend using this recipe for your next football game day
Perfectly med-well with flavorful season. Patty was still juicy, would definitely recommend for your next game day. Pairs great with chips or crisps
Burgers good! I forgot to get cheese, but still tasty. Will try again with cheese next time!
Glad you liked it! Cheese does make everything better. Next time for sure! 🧀
I followed the recipe but my burgers came out dry. Maybe I used too much salt? 🤔
Best burger ever! I added bacon too! Soooo good, I suggest everyone try it!!!
I made this and added some spices – garlic powder and paprika, tasted better.
Used turkey instead of beef and it turned out great. Healthy swap! 🦃
Turkey burgers are the best! I do that all the time instead of beef. Way healthier! 🥗
Takes too long to cook! I prefer my burgers thick. Will not make again.
Yummy! My kids loved helping smash the patties! 😊👩🍳
Uh, this is a recipe, not a crypto ad! But burgers look good!
Smash burger? Sounds weird, but it was delicious!!! My kids loved it.
I don’t get why you smash the burger? Isn’t it supposed to stay thick for juiciness? Just saying.
Meh, I don’t get the hype. A burger is a burger, right? Maybe I’ll try again.
I get what you mean, but trust me, there’s nothing like a good smash burger! They have this cool crust that’s just yum. Give it another shot!
Nah, burgers ain’t just burgers. Smash burgers are like, the best! You gotta try it with some toppings!
And don’t skip the cheese!
Wait, aren’t smash burgers supposed to be seared more? I’m confused.
I don’t get all the hype. Mine turned out dry and tasteless.
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe try adjusting the cooking time or add some sauce to make it more flavorful next time. Cooking can be tricky! Good luck!
What kind of cheese did y’all use? I put cheddar, but it wasn’t that great.
Wow, these burgers were amazing! I added some bacon and it was a hit at the barbecue!
Smash burgers? More like splat burgers! Messy but fun to make. 😂
Haha, splat burgers is right! It’s all part of the fun! Can’t wait to give this a try. 😄
I dunno, smashing burgers seems kinda messy. Is it really worth it? 🤔