Craving that classic diner-style burger with crispy edges, melty cheese, and juicy beef? This easy Smash Burger recipe delivers big flavor with just a few ingredients and a hot skillet—no grill required! With the right technique, anyone can make restaurant-worthy burgers at home in under 15 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, these burgers are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Smash Burger Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Crispy, Juicy, Flavorful – Golden edges, a tender center, and savory sear.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknights, BBQs, or game day spreads.
What Is a Smash Burger?
Unlike traditional thick burgers, smash burgers start as round beef balls that are smashed flat onto a hot griddle or skillet. This creates a crispy crust thanks to the Maillard reaction while keeping the inside juicy and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – Use 80/20 for the best balance of fat and flavor
- Butter – Unsalted, for toasting the buns and cooking the burgers
- Garlic Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings with big flavor
- Cheddar Cheese – Or your favorite melting cheese
- Hamburger Buns – Brioche, sesame, or classic soft buns
- Optional Toppings – Lettuce, tomato, red onion
Scroll down to the full recipe card for exact quantities.
How to Make Smash Burgers
Step 1: Shape the Patties
Divide the beef into 8 loose balls, about 3 oz each. Refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
Step 2: Preheat Your Skillet
Heat a griddle or large cast iron skillet over medium-high (around 400°F).
Step 3: Toast the Buns
Butter the buns and toast them on the skillet until golden. Set aside.
Step 4: Add Butter
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the hot skillet to prep for the burgers.
Step 5: Smash the Burgers
Place 4 beef balls on the skillet. Cover each with parchment paper and press down firmly using a burger press or metal spatula. Remove parchment.
Step 6: Season
Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper while they cook.
Step 7: Cook the Patties
Cook for 2 minutes until juices rise and the edges brown. Flip and cook another minute. Don’t press again after flipping.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Place a slice of cheese on half of the patties and cook another minute to melt.
Step 9: Stack
Top each cheesy patty with a plain patty to make double burgers.
Step 10: Assemble
On the bottom bun, layer lettuce, tomato, and onion. Add the double patty and top bun.
Step 11: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately with your favorite sides and sauces!
Expert Tips
- Loosely Formed Beef Balls – Helps create that signature smash.
- Cold Meat = Juicy Burgers – Keeps the fat from melting too early.
- Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and ensures even smashing.
- Prep Ahead – You can shape the beef balls up to 2 days in advance.
Topping Ideas
- American or Cheddar Cheese
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Red or Yellow Onions
- Leaf Lettuce
- Dill Pickles
- Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup
- Burger Sauce (mix mayo + mustard)
- Homemade BBQ Sauce
Set up a DIY burger bar so everyone can customize their own!
Variations
- Buns: Try sesame seed, potato, or brioche.
- Onions: Use sweet onions, white onions, or caramelized for a twist.
- Low Sodium Option: Swap garlic salt for garlic powder.
What to Serve with Smash Burgers
- French Fries – Classic pairing!
- Onion Rings – Crispy and satisfying.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Light and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these on the stovetop?
Yes! Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for best results.
What’s the best beef for smash burgers?
Use 80/20 ground beef. The fat content keeps the burgers juicy and flavorful.
How do I store leftovers?
Store patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
More Burger Recipes to Try
- Copycat In-N-Out Burger (Animal Style)
- Bacon Blue Cheese Burger
- Smash Burger Sliders
- Fried Onion Burger
- Taco Burgers
- Patty Melt Sandwich
Smash Burger Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Calories: 676 per serving
Author:
Smash Burger Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, condiments
Instructions:
- Divide beef into 8 loosely formed balls (about 3 oz each). Chill until ready to cook.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (~400°F).
- Butter the buns and toast them in the skillet until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter on the skillet.
- Place 4 beef balls on the skillet. Cover each with parchment paper and press down firmly with a spatula to smash into thin patties. Remove parchment.
- Season patties with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Cook patties for about 2 minutes, until edges are crispy and juices appear.
- Flip patties and cook 1 more minute without pressing.
- Add a slice of cheese to 4 patties, cook for 1 minute to melt.
- Stack a cheesy patty with a plain patty to make double burgers.
- Assemble burgers on toasted buns with desired toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!