Smash Burger — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

A fresh grass-fed grind and real cheese make a burger where the crust does the talking, not the toppings. Smash each ball flat within thirty seconds of it hitting the screaming-hot steel, then leave it be until the edges lace and crisp. Moving it early tears off the crust you are after.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 4 servings

Ground beef, 80/20

A fresh, fatty grass-fed grind gives the crust and the beef flavor.

1.5 lb

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Cheese slices

A real melting cheese, cut thin, blankets the patty as it sets.

8 slices

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Burger buns

A soft real-bread bun, toasted in the beef fat, holds up without going soggy.

4 buns

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Dill pickles

Real crunchy dill pickles cut the fat; skip the limp ones.

for topping

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Onion, thin-sliced

Optional smashed into the patty diner-style.

half an onion

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Using ground beef? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge

A light hand — your arteries say thanks.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Stovetop

The Method

Roll the ballsDivide beef into 8 loose 3 oz balls; do not pack them, and keep them cold until the griddle is ripping hot.
Heat the steelGet a cast iron or griddle screaming hot over high, 3-4 minutes, with a thin film of oil.
SmashSet a ball down, smash flat with a stiff spatula for 10 seconds, salt it, and leave it until the edges lace and darken, about 2 minutes.
Flip and meltScrape up with the crust intact, flip, top with cheese, and cook 1 more minute to 155F internal.
StackToast the buns in the fat, then double-stack two patties with pickles on a bun.

The Toolkit

Cast iron griddle · Stiff spatula · Bench scraper

Straight Answers

Can you make Smash Burger in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Smash Burger? — Yes

Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Can you make Smash Burger ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.

Is Smash Burger gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Smash Burger vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.163

Smash Burger, and where to source it