Ingredients
1 lb (450g) Ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
4 Hamburger buns (potato or brioche)
4 slices American cheese (optional)
½ cup Dill or bread-and-butter pickles, sliced
¼ cup Red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Shredded lettuce
1-2 tbsp Vegetable or canola oil (for the griddle)
1 tbsp Unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
Special Sauce:
¼ cup Mayonnaise
2 tbsp Ketchup
1 tbsp Yellow mustard
½ tsp Smoked paprika
¼ tsp Garlic powder
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Make Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
2. Prep Beef: Divide ground beef into four equal portions and form into loose balls. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. Heat Griddle: Get a cast-iron skillet or griddle screaming hot over medium-high heat. Add oil.
4. Smash: Place beef balls on the hot surface and immediately smash firmly with a sturdy spatula to ¼-inch thickness. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then release. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook: Sear for 2-3 minutes until deep brown and crispy. Flip, add cheese if using, and cook 1-2 minutes more.
6. Toast Buns: Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast on the hot griddle until golden.
7. Assemble: Spread sauce on the bottom bun, layer with lettuce, patty, pickles, and onion. Cover with top bun.
Notes
Pro-Tips:
• Ensure your griddle is scorching hot before adding the beef to achieve the perfect crispy sear.
• Always pat the beef balls dry before cooking to prevent steaming.
• Use a sturdy metal spatula to get maximum leverage when smashing the patties thin.
• Toast the buns on the griddle to add an extra layer of flavor and prevent sogginess from the sauce.
Variations:
• Mushroom-Swiss: Sauté mushrooms with soy sauce and top with Swiss cheese.
• Spicy: Add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the burger toppings.
• Bacon: Add crispy bacon strips on top of the cheese during the last minute of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté/Griddle
- Cuisine: American