Description
Enjoy all the delicious flavors of a classic diner burger without the bun! This easy Smash Burger Bowl features juicy, well-seared patties with melty cheese, savory burger sauce, and your favorite fixings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or your favorite)
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for onions and searing)
- Shredded lettuce (optional, for base)
- Diced tomatoes (optional, for topping)
- Cooked bacon crumbles (optional, for topping)
- 4 burger bun pieces, lightly toasted (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped pickles. Set aside.
- 2. Cook the Onions (Optional): Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until softened and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- 3. Toast the Buns (Optional): Lightly butter cut sides of bun pieces and toast in a dry skillet until golden brown. Set aside.
- 4. Form and Season Patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions. Loosely form into balls. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 5. Sear Patties: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Add oil or butter. Place beef balls on the hot skillet.
- 6. Smash Patties: Immediately smash each ball flat into about 1/4-inch thick patties with a spatula.
- 7. Cook and Sear: Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
- 8. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip patties, immediately top each with a slice of cheese, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and patties are browned.
- 9. Assemble the Bowl: Place shredded lettuce (if using) in bowls. Add toasted bun pieces (if using). Top with smash burger patties and cheese, sautéed onions (if using), burger sauce, pickles, tomatoes, and bacon crumbles (if using).
Notes
Store cooked patties, sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or oven. The sauce can be made ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g