Smash Burgers

v1.0

by FolsomInnovations

Main DishAmericanLunchDinnerStovetopburgerssmash burgerscast irongriddleweeknightNut-FreeHigh-Protein
Servings: 4Prep: 15 minCook: 10 minTotal: 25 min

Thin, crisp-edged burgers cooked hard and fast on cast iron or a griddle. Keep the toppings simple so the browned beef and melted cheese do the work.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb Ground beef80/20 preferred
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 Burger bunssplit and toasted
  • 1/2 cup Dill pickle chips
  • 1 cup Shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup Special sauceor mayonnaise and ketchup

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or flat griddle
  • Stiff metal spatula
  • Parchment squares
  • Instant-read thermometer

Instructions

  1. 1

    Divide the beef into 8 loose balls, about 3 oz each. Do not pack them tightly.

    5 min

  2. 2

    Heat the skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Toast the buns cut side down, then set them aside.

    3 min

  3. 3

    Place 2 or 3 beef balls on the hot surface with room between them. Cover each with parchment and press hard with the spatula until very thin.

    1 min

  4. 4

    Season the patties with salt and pepper. Cook until the edges are deeply browned and the tops are no longer glossy.

    2 min

  5. 5

    Scrape under each patty to keep the crust attached, flip, add cheese to half of the patties, and cook until the beef reaches 160 F.

    2 min

  6. 6

    Stack a plain patty on each cheese-topped patty. Build burgers with sauce, lettuce, pickles, and the toasted buns.

    2 min

Smash Burgers · FolsomInnovations · v1.0 · recipeversion.com/@folsominnovations/smash-burgers

Printed June 5, 2026