Ingredients
Buns and Toppings
- 4 soft burger buns
- Butter (for toasting the buns)
- Ketchup and mustard or burger sauce (to taste)
- Iceberg lettuce (shredded or thinly sliced)
- 4 thin slices tomato
- Thinly sliced red onion or sweet yellow onion (to taste)
- Dill pickle slices (to taste)
Burger Patties
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
Instructions
- Toast burger buns (optional): Heat a large skillet or flat top grill over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Once melted, spread the butter evenly around the pan. Place the burger buns cut side down in the pan, moving them slightly to soak up the butter, then toast until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prep burger toppings: Prepare all your toppings such as shredded lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, and pickles, so everything is ready to assemble quickly after cooking the burgers.
- Shape the patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal 2-ounce portions and shape each into a round ball, ready for smashing.
- Cook the burgers: Heat a flat top grill, cast iron skillet, or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 4 beef balls at a time to the surface. Immediately place a sheet of parchment paper over each ball and use a burger press or a spatula with a meat mallet or measuring cup to smash each patty to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Season and cook first side: Remove the parchment paper and generously season the top of each patty with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook without moving for 2 minutes to let a crust develop.
- Flip and add cheese: Use a thin metal spatula to carefully scrape under each patty and flip it over. Place a slice of cheese on 4 of the patties. Cook for an additional 60 to 90 seconds until cheese melts and burgers are cooked through. Then remove from heat.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread your preferred sauce such as ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce on the bottom bun. Add desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Place a cheese-topped patty on top, then add a plain patty. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly ground 80/20 beef for juicy patties with a good fat content.
- Smash the patties thinly and cook quickly for a crispy edge and a tender interior.
- If you don’t have a burger press, use a sturdy spatula combined with a heavy object like a measuring cup or meat mallet to flatten the patties.
- To keep burgers hot and melty, assemble right after cooking.
- Feel free to customize toppings and sauces to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
