Ultimate Smash Burgers

Ingredients

• Ground beef (1 lb (80/20 blend for juiciness))
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
• Cheese slices (4 slices (american, cheddar, or your favorite))
• Hamburger buns (4, preferably brioche or sesame seed)
• Lettuce (4 leaves (iceberg or romaine))
• Tomato (1 large, sliced)
• Onion (1 small, sliced)
• Pickles (1/2 cup, sliced)
• Mustard (2 tablespoons)
• Ketchup (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and gently shape them into loose balls. Avoid overworking the meat.
2. Preheat a skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s very hot.
3. Place one portion of ground beef onto the hot skillet and immediately press it down firmly with a spatula to flatten it into a thin patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Season the patty generously with salt and black pepper.
5. Cook the patty for about 2-3 minutes, until the bottom is browned and crispy. Avoid moving the patty around to achieve a good sear.
6. Flip the patty using the spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Place a cheese slice on top of the patty and allow it to melt for about 30 seconds.
8. Remove the patty from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining portions of ground beef.
9. While the last patty is cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the skillet for a few seconds until lightly browned.
10. Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on the bottom half of each bun.
11. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, onion slices, and pickles.
12. Spread ketchup and mustard on the top half of the buns before placing them on top of the burgers.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy the juicy goodness!