Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or high-smoke point oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, butter lettuce)
- 1 large ripe tomato, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced or chopped
- For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles or relish
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, chopped pickles/relish, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside in the refrigerator.
- Prep the veggies: Wash and chop your mixed greens. Dice the tomato and thinly slice or dice the red onion. Chop the pickles. Arrange these fresh toppings into four separate serving bowls.
- Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal, loose balls (about 3 oz each). Do not pack them tightly, as this helps achieve a better smash and crust. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the smash patties: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot, almost smoking. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Place two beef balls into the hot skillet, spaced apart.
- Smash the burgers: Immediately place a piece of parchment paper over each beef ball. Using a sturdy spatula or a turkey bacon press, firmly and quickly smash each ball down into a very thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep, crusty sear forms on the bottom.
- Flip and cheese: Carefully scrape under the patties with the spatula to release them from the pan, then flip. Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on one patty, then stack the second patty on top of the cheesy one (creating a double patty burger). Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Remove from the pan.
- Repeat and assemble: Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining beef balls and cheese until all patties are cooked. Place two stacked cheesy patties into each prepared bowl with the fresh greens and toppings. Drizzle generously with the prepared Secret Sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, deconstructed smash burger bowl!
Notes
For an extra crispy crust, ensure your pan is extremely hot before adding the beef. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. You can customize your bowl with other toppings like jalapeños, crispy fried onions, or even a fried egg. For a different base, consider roasted sweet potato fries or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying & Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg