Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef (80/20 blend): 2-3 oz portions
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- American Cheese: 1 slice per patty
- Martin’s Potato Rolls or Brioche Buns: Toasted if preferred
- Butter (optional): For toasting buns
- Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, diced onions, smashed avocado, or caramelized onions.
Instructions
- Gather Tools: Use a cast iron skillet, metal spatula, and smashing tool.
- Prep Meat: Divide ground beef into 2-3 oz portions, roll into loose balls, and chill for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat Pan: Heat skillet on medium-high for 5–8 minutes. Do not add oil.
- Toast Buns (Optional): Butter cut sides of buns and toast on the skillet until golden.
- Smash Patties: Place a meatball on the skillet, press flat to ¼” thickness, and hold for 10-15 seconds.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper on patties while cooking.
- Form Crust: Let patties cook for 1-2 minutes until edges are crispy and golden.
- Flip & Add Cheese: Flip patties, place a cheese slice on top, and cover the pan to melt cheese.
- Assemble: Stack patties on toasted buns, add toppings, and assemble the burger.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Smash patties within 30 seconds of hitting the skillet for even cooking.
- Avoid overhandling the meat to maintain tenderness.
- A preheated pan is essential for a perfect crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: ~450 (estimate based on ingredients)
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~700mg
- Fat: ~28g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12g
- Trans Fat: ~1g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~20g
- Cholesterol: ~80mg