The BEST Burger Recipe: Smash Burgers, my way 😊

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheese saves calories, while American cheese is often cheaper.

burger buns

🥗Healthier: whole grain buns

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain buns add fiber, while white bread can be more affordable.

pickles

🥗Healthier: cucumber slices

💰Cheaper: no pickles

Cucumber slices provide freshness without the added sodium of pickles.

Prepare a station with parchment paper cut into 5-inch squares to separate the burgers.

Use a kitchen scale to weigh each beef patty to be between 2 to 3 ounces, preferably 3 ounces.

Form the beef into balls, about the size of a tennis ball, then place them between two pieces of parchment paper.

Press down the beef balls with your hand, then use a meat mallet to flatten them until they are very flat and round.

Place the smashed patties on a tray and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Prepare the burger sauce by mixing together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, and black pepper. Optionally add sriracha sauce for heat.

Thinly slice an onion and lettuce, rinse the lettuce, and drain it on paper towels.

Prepare cheese slices and pickles, and have the burger buns ready.

Season one side of the patties with salt and black pepper before grilling.

Preheat an electric grill pan to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, use a cast iron skillet.

Place the patties on the hot grill, season the other side with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes until juices rise to the top.

Toast the burger buns on the grill while the patties cook.

Flip the patties and cook for another 30-40 seconds to 1 minute, adding cheese on top of one patty if desired.

Assemble the burger with the bottom bun, onion, lettuce, pickles, burger sauce, the patty, more sauce, and the top bun.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens