This classic Smash Burgers recipe delivers everything you love about an old-school diner burger right in your own kitchen. In just 20 minutes, you’ll transform loose balls of 80/20 ground beef into ultra-thin patties featuring those legendary, crispy lacy edges and a shockingly juicy center!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef 80/20
4 hamburger buns soft brioche or potato buns
Salt and black pepper
Optional Toppings:
Thinly sliced onion
Tomatoes
For the Simple Burger Sauce:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles or relish
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Method
Divide the ground beef into 8 loosely packed balls. Do not compact them; keeping them loose helps create that crispy edge.
Heat a grill, cast-iron skillet, or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
Place 2–3 beef balls onto the hot surface. Immediately smash each one down very thin using a sturdy spatula or burger press. Press firmly to create a thin patty with craggy edges. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Cook for about 1–2 minutes, until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip and immediately top with a slice of cheese (if making cheeseburgers). Cook another 30–60 seconds.
Toast the buns lightly on the grill or skillet until golden.
Stir together all sauce ingredients until smooth.
Spread sauce on the buns, add the double smash patties, and top with pickles, onion, or lettuce if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.