For a weekend cookout that’s simple but full of flavor, Natasha’s Kitchen Smash Burger is a Labor Day win. Juicy beef patties are smashed on a hot griddle, seared to perfection, and topped with melty cheese, crisp veggies, and your favorite condiments. Served on a soft, toasted bun, it’s easy to prep and enjoy. Whether grilling for friends or a family feast, this classic burger delivers comfort, convenience, and just the right amount of sizzle.
INGREDIENTS
- Ground Beef – We use 1.5 lbs of ground beef to make 4 double-patty burgers, but you can easily scale the recipe up to feed a crowd (use 3 lbs for 8 double-patty burgers). For a tasty and juicy burger, use ground beef that is 80/20 (80% lean and 20% fat).
- Sauce – A simple combination of mayonnaise and yellow mustard is what we use to grill and assemble the burgers.
- Cheese – we love thick-sliced medium cheddar cheese for burgers, but you can use American-style cheese or your favorite sliced cheese.
- Buns – Homemade Buns work great, and I think brioche buns also have that steakhouse burger look, but any store-bought burger bun will work here.
- Lettuce – thinly slice your iceberg lettuce for a restaurant-style smash burger
- Pickles – sliced dill pickle chips are the best
- Tomatoes – Select meaty and large-sized tomatoes for burgers and cut them into rings
- Red onion – thinly sliced into rings
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare Patties – Divide 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef into 8 equal portions (3 oz each), cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Make Sauce – Stir together 1/3 cup mayo and 1 tsp mustard and set aside.
- Prep Toppings – fully prep your toppings ahead to assemble the burgers right away while the patties are hot and juicy off the grill.
- Toast buns – lightly butter the cut side of your buns and toast on a griddle or skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Transfer to a rack.
- Cook patties – increase to medium-high heat. Depending on your surface area, place 2 to 4 cold pieces of meat onto the hot surface. Working quickly, cover each piece with a sheet of parchment paper and smash each into a thin patty. Remove parchment paper, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, add a dab of sauce, and flip. Sear for 2 minutes on the first side and about a minute on the second side.
- Add cheese – place a slice of cheese onto half of the patties and top with a second patty, and remove from the heat. Serve warm over toasted buns with toppings and more sauce.
