Description
These cast iron smash burgers are crispy on the edges, juicy in the middle, and topped with sweet, caramelized onions. A fast, reliable weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) 80/20 ground chuck
- 1–2 tablespoons avocado oil or neutral vegetable oil
- 8 slices American cheese (or sharp cheddar/pepper jack)
- Coarse kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4–6 brioche buns (or potato buns)
- Dill pickle chips
- Ketchup and mustard
Instructions
- Caramelize onions: Heat butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown and soft. Stir in garlic powder in the last 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Prep beef: Divide ground beef into 4-6 loose balls (3-4 oz each). Do not pack tightly. Keep cold until ready to cook.
- Heat skillet: Place a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add oil and heat until shimmering and slightly smoking (about 2 minutes).
- Smash patties: Place 2-3 beef balls in the hot skillet. Cover with parchment paper and smash flat with a burger press or heavy spatula until about 1/4 inch thick. Remove parchment.
- Season and sear: Season the top of the patties generously with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark brown and crispy.
- Flip and melt cheese: Flip patties. Immediately place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and bottom is seared.
- Toast buns: Toast buns cut-side down in the skillet or toaster oven until golden brown.
- Assemble: Build burgers with bottom bun, ketchup/mustard, smashed patty with cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and top bun. Serve immediately.
Notes
Keep beef cold for better smashing. Do not press patties again after the initial smash to retain juices. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Ensure the pan is very hot for a proper sear. Season only after smashing. Leftover burgers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and reheated in a skillet. Caramelized onions keep for 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun, c
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 35
Keywords: smash burgers, cast iron skillet, weeknight dinner, caramelized onions, ground beef, quick meals, crispy burgers