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Irresistible Smash Burger with Secret Sauce

A fast, restaurant-style smash burger with crispy edges, juicy beef, melted cheese, and a creamy secret sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fast Food
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Burger Patties
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 4 burger buns potato buns preferred
  • 4 slices cheese American or cheddar
  • 2 tbsp butter for toasting buns
  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • pickles sliced
  • lettuce leaves
  • tomato optional slices
Secret Sauce
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp pickle juice or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey optional

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl (for sauce)

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix all secret sauce ingredients until smooth. Chill while cooking.
  2. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form loose balls. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat.
  4. Place a beef ball on the hot surface and smash with a spatula until thin. Cook 2 minutes without moving.
  5. Flip the patty and cook 1 minute. Add cheese to melt.
  6. Butter buns and toast in a pan until golden.
  7. Spread secret sauce on buns. Add lettuce, pickles, onions, and tomato.
  8. Place patty on bun and assemble. Serve immediately.

Notes

Best served hot immediately. Use 80/20 beef for juicy patties. Do not press down after flipping to retain juices.