Ultimate Smash-Style Cheeseburger
This Ultimate Smash-Style Cheeseburger delivers crispy caramelized edges, juicy beef, and melty American cheese on soft toasted potato rolls. Finished with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and a quick homemade mayo-ketchup sauce, it’s a simple but flavor-packed burger perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.
Equipment
- large skillet or griddle
- spatula for smashing patties
- mixing bowl for burger sauce
- knife for slicing vegetables
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 soft potato rolls
- 1 tbsp butter for toasting buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato sliced
- 4 leaves frilly lettuce
- pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the onion and tomato and wash the lettuce. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and loosely shape them into balls without compacting the meat.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly butter the potato rolls and set them aside for toasting.
- Place a beef portion on the hot skillet and immediately smash it with a spatula to form a thin patty. Repeat with remaining portions. Season with salt and black pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Flip the patties and place a slice of American cheese on each. Cook another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and the burgers are cooked through.
- Toast the buttered potato rolls in a pan or on the griddle until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth to create a simple burger sauce.
- Spread sauce on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, the cheeseburger patty, tomato slices, onion, and optional pickles. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burger and best caramelized crust. Smash the patties only once to keep them tender and juicy. For variations, add crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms with Swiss cheese, sliced avocado, or mix a little sriracha into the sauce for heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3.5mg
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