Stovetop Smash Burgers

Classic, thin-patty smash burgers with a deep crust and melted American cheese on toasted potato buns.

J. Kenji López-Alt

Chef, Serious Eats columnist, Wok cookbook author

More recipes from J. Kenji López-Alt

Ingredients

6 items

Method

8 steps Cook mode Soon
  1. Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot.

  2. Divide ground beef into portions and gently form into loose balls without compacting the meat.

  3. Place the beef balls into the hot pan and immediately smash them flat with a heavy spatula or press.

  4. Season the patties generously with salt and pepper.

  5. Cook undisturbed until a deep, dark crust forms on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes.

  6. Flip the burgers, top with American cheese, and cook for another minute until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.

  7. Toast the potato buns in the pan or on a separate surface.

  8. Assemble the burgers with toasted buns and preferred condiments.

Nutrition

per serving

Nutrition estimate coming soon

Per-serving calories and macros will appear here once this recipe's ingredients are matched to our ingredient database. The estimate scales with servings.

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