Why Make This Recipe
Classic Smash Burgers are a tasty and simple way to enjoy a great meal at home. They are juicy, flavorful, and have that perfect crispy edge. The secret sauce adds a wonderful touch that makes these burgers even more delicious. Making them is quick and easy, which is perfect for a weekday dinner or a weekend BBQ.
How to Make Classic Smash Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Pickles
- Cheese slices (optional)
For the secret sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form loose balls.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the beef balls on the skillet and smash them down with a spatula to form patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Toast the burger buns on the skillet.
- For the secret sauce, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
- Assemble the burgers: place the patty on the bottom bun, add cheese if using, and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a generous spread of secret sauce.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve Classic Smash Burgers
Classic Smash Burgers are best served hot and fresh off the skillet. Pair them with some crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy them with your favorite drinks or a cold beverage to make the meal even more enjoyable.
How to Store Classic Smash Burgers
If you have leftovers, store the burger patties and any extra toppings separately. Place the patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep the secret sauce in a sealed container as well. When ready to eat, you can reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave. Toast the buns again for the best taste.
Tips to Make Classic Smash Burgers
- Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef to get that nice sear.
- Don’t press down too hard when smashing the patties; just enough to form them.
- Feel free to customize your toppings based on what you love.
Variation
You can customize your Classic Smash Burgers by adding different toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or even bacon. Use different cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack, to change the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use lean ground beef for smash burgers?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef, but a little fat helps make the burgers juicy.
Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the secret sauce a day in advance and keep it in the fridge.
Is it necessary to toast the buns?
Toasting the buns is not required, but it does add a nice texture and flavor to the burger.

Classic Smash Burgers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form loose balls.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the beef balls on the skillet and smash them down with a spatula to form patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Toast the burger buns on the skillet.
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
- Assemble the burgers: place the patty on the bottom bun, add cheese if using, and top with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a generous spread of secret sauce.
- Serve immediately.