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Healthy Hamburger Meat Recipes

This ultimate smash burger recipe delivers crispy, caramelized edges, juicy beef, and perfectly melted cheese in under 20 minutes. Made with simple ingredients and high-heat technique, these burgers taste just like your favorite restaurant version—only better at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche or potato buns
  • Butter for toasting buns
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Dill pickle chips
  • Thin-sliced red onion
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle juice

Method
 

  1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
  2. Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice to make the sauce. Set aside.
  3. Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls without overworking.
  4. Place beef ball on hot surface and smash firmly with a spatula.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.
  6. Scrape and flip patty, add cheese, and cook 1 minute until melted.
  7. Butter and toast buns until golden.
  8. Assemble burgers with sauce, toppings, and smash patty. Serve immediately.

Notes

Smash once only and avoid moving the patty while cooking to achieve crispy edges and maximum flavor.