Juicy smash burgers begin with a hot griddle and end with a brown caramelized crust with its signature jagged edges. Pile on top of a toasted bun with all your favorite toppings!

Why this recipe works

So, what is a smash burger? They’re pretty much exactly what the name states. A burger patty that’s been smashed on a hot skillet or griddle using a spatula. They’re a simple breed, popularized by their burger crust and juicy characteristics. Top with anything your heart desires, from jalapenos to eggs, avocado, or the classic fixings like pickled onions, lettuce, and tomato.

Now, the trick to a smash burger is to not pack the meat densely when rolling it into a ball. When you smash the burger patty into the skillet it traps the juices on the underside of the meat so it cooks and soaks in all its naturally delicious flavors while also creating that restaurant-worthy browned crust that everyone goes crazy over.

This is a great, kid-friendly weeknight dinner. It’s featured in my 30 ground beef dinners ready in 30 minutes roundup along with 29 more quick weeknight recipes.

Hand holding a Smash Burger wrapped in parchment paper

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BEEF – We suggest 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef. Using 80/20 lean meat to fat ratio will create an even juicier burger with more pronounced flavor.

How to Make Smash Burger

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Brush a thin layer of oil on flat top grill. Preheat grill. If using a flat top cast iron pan on the stove, grease the pan with a thin layer of cooking oil or olive oil and preheat over medium-high heat.
Using gloved hands, flatten hamburger meat on a cutting board. Season to taste with garlic salt and pepper.
Divide meat into 4 equal sections. Roll each section into a ball.
Place each ball on the flat top griddle.
Spray the back of a spatula with non-stick cooking spray. Press the back of the spatula onto the meat ball to flatten into a patty. Repeat for each ball. Allow to cook for 5 minutes. If desired, this is a great time to add any additional seasonings, or simply sprinkle with more garlic salt and pepper.
Flip burgers over and flatten again with the back of the spatula. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until desired doneness.
While burgers finish cooking toast the buns on a clean area of the flat top.
When burgers are almost done, add a slice of cheese to each patty.
When cheese has melted, lift patty with a spatula and place on toasted bottom bun. Double up the patties if desired.
NOTE: if you plan to add condiments, don’t add the top bun or the cheese will stick to it. Add all of your toppings and condiments first!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

What is the best kind of beef to use for smash burgers?

The type of beef is up to you. We recommend ground chuck or similar with an 80/20 ratio of lean beef to fat content. This isn’t the recipe to use lean ground beef for. It’s known for its juicy interior and crisp brown burger crust on the exterior, in which the fat content plays a huge role in!

How do I make a smash burger if I don’t have a griddle?

If you don’t have a griddle or flat top grill, you can easily make the burgers on a cast iron skillet.

What temperature should burgers be cooked to?

According to the USDA, hamburgers should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria that may be present. Use a food thermometer to be sure they have reached 160 °F.

Smash Burger on a platter with pickles and french fries on the side

Serving Suggestions

Top your smash burger with heaps of your favorite burger additions such as bacon, lettuce, sliced tomato, jalapenos, pickles, onions, the list goes on and on. Can’t forget to mention the condiments like BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, chipotle mayo, or a quick burger sauce made with ketchup and mayo.

Optionally double up the patties and layer with cheese in between. Smash burgers are fantastic on top of a brioche or pretzel bun. Serve with french fries, sweet potato fries, chips, onion rings, potato salad, pickle spears, creamy cucumber salad, or coleslaw.

More Related Recipes

Looking for more ground beef ideas? See our collection of 90 best ground beef recipes here.

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