Ingredients
- Ground Beef (80/20 chuck) – 1 lb
- American Cheese slices – 4 slices
- Romaine Lettuce – 1 head, chopped
- Cherry Tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Dill Pickle Slices – 1/2 cup
- Red Onion – 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
- Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup
- Ketchup – 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: **Prepare Special Sauce & Toppings.** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, and 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish to create the special burger sauce. Set aside. Prepare the remaining bowl ingredients by chopping the romaine lettuce, halving the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slicing the red onion.
- Step 2: **Form Burger Balls.** Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently roll them into loose balls without overworking the meat. Season each beef ball generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Step 3: **Smash & Cook Burgers.** Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it begins to smoke. Place the beef balls onto the hot surface, leaving space between them. Immediately use a sturdy spatula and a second spatula or press to firmly smash each ball flat into a thin patty (about 1/4-inch thick).
- Step 4: **Finish Burgers.** Cook the smashed patties for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip the patties, immediately place an American cheese slice on each, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: **Assemble Bowls.** Divide the chopped romaine lettuce among 4 individual serving bowls. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and dill pickle slices over the lettuce. Place two cheesy smash burger patties on top of the greens and toppings in each bowl.
- Step 6: **Serve.** Drizzle generously with the prepared Special Burger Sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To keep your smash burger bowls fresh, store any leftover cooked patties and prepared veggies in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the special sauce in its own jar.
- For the best reheating experience, gently warm leftover patties in a hot skillet to restore their crispy edges, and consider adding a fresh slice of American cheese for a perfect melt.
- While delicious on its own, try serving your Smash Burger Bowl with a side of crispy onion rings or a handful of potato chips for an extra textural crunch that perfectly complements the rich flavors.
- The key to an incredible smash burger is a screaming hot skillet and an immediate, firm smash; pressing the beef balls flat and thin right when they hit the pan creates that irresistible crispy, lacy edge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g