Viral Smashed Burgers
Crispy-edged viral smashed burgers cooked on a hot griddle with melty American cheese. Diner-style USA classic that rivals any fast-food chain—ready in under 30 minutes.
🛒Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil or beef tallow
- Toppings: pickles, sliced onion, ketchup, mustard, mayo
- Optional: butter for toasting buns
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Cast-iron skillet or griddle
- Sturdy metal spatula
- Instant-read thermometer
- Bowl
📝Instructions
- 1
Gently divide beef into 4 equal balls (do not overwork). Season outsides with salt and pepper just before cooking.
- 2
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high until very hot. Lightly oil.
- 3
Place balls on the hot surface. Using a sturdy spatula, smash each firmly into a thin patty. Cook undisturbed 2–3 minutes until deep brown crust forms.
- 4
Flip, top with cheese, and cook 1–2 minutes more until cheese melts and burgers reach 160°F.
- 5
Toast buns cut-side down in the pan with a little butter if desired.
- 6
Build burgers with preferred toppings. Serve immediately.
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 520
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Why 80/20 beef?
Higher fat helps browning and juiciness when smashed thin.
Can I smash with parchment?
Yes—place parchment on the ball, smash with a second spatula or burger press, then peel off.
Double smash?
Use two 2-ounce balls per bun for classic double smashed burgers; cook to 160°F.
Food-safe doneness?
Ground beef should reach 160°F in the center.
Turkey smash burgers?
Use 93% lean turkey; cook to 165°F and oil the pan well.
