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Smash Burgers with Onion, Cheese, and Homemade Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

This Smash Burgers recipe delivers classic, juicy burgers with a perfect sear and melty cheese. The preparation involves smashing ground beef balls on a hot skillet to create thin, flavorful patties with crispy edges. Complemented by a tangy homemade sauce, caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, and tomato on toasted sesame seed buns, these burgers are ready in just 15 minutes, making them ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Burgers

  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large sweet onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 sesame seed buns, halved
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce (as needed)
  • 1 large tomato, sliced

For the Sauce

  • ¼ cup yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • Remaining half of the chopped sweet onion (from the original 1 large onion)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently roll each into a ball, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep patties tender.
  2. Cook the onions: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a cast iron skillet or flat-top grill over high heat. When the oil glistens, add half of the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are browned and caramelized, about 4 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep the skillet over high heat for the next step.
  3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the yellow mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, and the remaining half of the chopped onion to create the burger sauce. Set aside.
  4. Cook the burgers: Once the oil in the skillet is smoking hot, add one beef ball at a time. Place a small square of parchment paper over the ball and use a thick spatula to press it down firmly into an ⅛-inch-thick patty. It’s normal for the edges to crumble slightly. Remove the parchment, season the patty with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and cook until browned on one side for about 2 minutes. Flip the patty, season with another ¼ teaspoon salt, then top with 1 tablespoon of the cooked onions and a slice of American cheese. Cook an additional 1 minute, or until the cheese melts. Transfer the cooked burger to the bottom half of a bun. Repeat this process with the remaining beef balls and ingredients.
  5. Assemble and serve: Spread the prepared burger sauce on top of each cooked patty, then add shredded iceberg lettuce and sliced tomato. Finish by placing the top halves of the sesame seed buns on each burger. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor.
  • Pressing the patties thin ensures a crispy edge and fast cooking time.
  • Cooking onions separately adds sweetness and depth without crowding the pan.
  • Using parchment paper prevents meat from sticking to the spatula during smashing.
  • Sesame seed buns can be lightly toasted if preferred for added texture.
  • Adjust the quantity of burger sauce according to taste.
  • Ensure the skillet is very hot before cooking for a perfect sear.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/smash-burgers-with-onion-cheese-and-homemade-sauce-recipe/