American•comfort

Classic Smashed Burgers

Classic smashed cheeseburgers with maximum juiciness and a deep brown, beefy crust. This simple, quick recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Quantities are shown as originally provided.

1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
16 to 20 ounces (455g to 570g) ground beef, divided into four 4-ounce portions (see note)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cheese slices (if desired)
Four toasted burger buns
Toppings and condiments, as desired

1
Add oil to a 12-inch stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron skillet and wipe around with a paper towel. Set skillet over medium heat and allow to preheat for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, gently form each portion of ground beef into a cylindrical puck about 2 inches tall, pressing together just until meat holds its shape without falling apart. Season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
2
Increase heat under skillet to high and heat until skillet is smoking. Add 2 beef pucks to skillet and, using a firm, stiff metal spatula, press down on each one until they're roughly 4 to 4 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2-inch thick (see note). It helps to use a second spatula to apply downward pressure to the first if you are having trouble smashing them hard enough.
3
Cook without moving until a golden brown crust develops, about 1 1/2 minutes. Use the edge of the spatula to carefully scrape up and flip the patties one at a time, making sure to get all browned bits removed from the skillet. If using cheese, add now.
4
Continue to cook until patties are cooked to desired doneness—about 30 seconds longer for medium-rare. Transfer patties to toasted buns, topping buns and/or patties as desired, close burgers, and serve immediately. Wipe out skillet with paper towel and repeat process with remaining ground beef pucks.