Print

Perfect Smash Burger Recipe Easy Juicy Crispy Burger at Home

perfect smash burger recipe - featured image

A quick and easy smash burger recipe that delivers juicy interiors and crispy, caramelized edges using simple ingredients and a cast iron skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • 4 cheese slices (optional; American, cheddar, or pepper jack)
  • Lettuce leaves (crispy romaine or iceberg)
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Pickles (dill or bread-and-butter)
  • Tomato slices (ripe and firm)
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until smoking hot.
  2. Divide 1 pound (450g) of ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz or 113g each) and roll each into a loose ball.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat evenly.
  4. Place one beef ball in the skillet and smash it down firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press until about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick with uneven edges. Repeat for each patty.
  5. Immediately season each smashed patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Cook patties undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until edges brown and crisp.
  7. Flip each patty carefully using tongs or spatula. Add a slice of cheese if desired and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but still juicy.
  8. While burgers cook, spread softened butter on the insides of the buns and toast them butter-side down on another skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  9. Assemble the burgers by placing patties on toasted buns and adding toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, onions, pickles, and condiments like ketchup or mustard.
  10. Serve immediately to enjoy the juicy, crispy smash burgers.

Notes

Do not press the patties after flipping to retain juices. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming and soggy edges. Use 80/20 ground chuck for best flavor and juiciness. Toast buns with butter to keep them crisp and flavorful. If skillet smokes excessively, reduce heat slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, crispy burger, juicy burger, easy burger recipe, cast iron skillet burger, quick dinner, classic burger