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Crispy One-Pan Smash Burger Night Recipe with Homemade Special Sauce Easy

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An easy, quick, and delicious one-pan smash burger recipe featuring crispy edges, juicy centers, and a tangy homemade special sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche recommended)
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • For the Homemade Special Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dill pickle relish
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: lettuce leaves, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, pickles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon dill pickle relish, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you cook the burgers.
  2. Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces/115g each). Roll each lightly into a loose ball without overworking the meat.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Smash the Patties: Place one beef ball in the skillet and immediately press it down firmly with a spatula until about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick, creating craggy edges. Repeat for all patties, cooking 2 at a time if needed.
  5. Cook and Flip: Cook patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned. Flip carefully, place a slice of cheese on each patty, and cook another 1-2 minutes until melted and cooked through.
  6. Toast the Buns: Spread softened butter on the insides of the buns. Toast in a separate pan or after removing patties on medium heat until golden and slightly crisp.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous spoonful of special sauce on the bottom bun, add the cheesy smash patty, then layer with optional lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the patties. Avoid pressing down on patties after flipping to keep them juicy. Toast buns in butter for added crunch and flavor. Use a metal spatula for best smashing and flipping results. Season cast iron skillet regularly for optimal searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, one-pan burger, crispy burger, homemade special sauce, easy burger recipe, quick dinner, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/crispy-one-pan-smash-burger-night-recipe-with-homemade-special-sauce-easy/