Juicy Smash Burger (Print Version)

Crispy-edged beef patties with melty cheese on toasted buns

# What You Need:

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01 - Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions. Loosely roll each portion into a ball without packing tightly.

02 - Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot.

03 - Place beef balls on the hot skillet. Using a heavy spatula or burger press, firmly smash each ball until approximately ½-inch thick.

04 - Immediately season with salt and pepper. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.

05 - Flip burgers and top each patty with a cheese slice. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more until cheese melts and burgers are cooked through.

06 - While burgers cook, melt butter in a separate skillet or on the griddle. Toast buns cut-side down until golden brown.

07 - Spread burger sauce on bottom buns. Layer lettuce, tomato, and onion. Add smash patties, optional pickles, and top buns.

08 - Serve burgers hot while cheese is melted and edges remain crispy.

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The crispy edges create this incredible texture contrast that you just cant get from regular grilled burgers
Everything comes together in twenty minutes flat, making it perfect for weeknight dinner wins

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Don't be afraid of the heat. That high temperature is exactly what creates the signature crispy edges.
Season immediately after smashing, not before. The salt penetrates better into the freshly pressed meat.

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Let your ground beef come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. It helps the patties cook more evenly.
Clean your skillet between batches if you're making more than four. Those brown bits can burn and taste bitter on the next round.