Skip to main content
Epicurious
Recipes & Menus

Classic Smashed Cheeseburger

4.1

(17)

Image may contain Burger and Food
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Simon Andrews

We've got the secret to cooking a burger that's crispy on the outside, yet juicy on the inside: Freeze the patties for 15 minutes before cooking, then use two large griddle spatulas to smash them flat against the hottest skillet possible. Freezing the meat prevents it from cooking too quickly in the middle, which gives you time to get that deeply browned crust.

Cooks' Note

For best results, use a cast-iron skillet or griddle; the metal retains heat best and will help your burgers get a dark brown, crispy crust.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 4 burgers

Ingredients

3/4 pound freshly ground sirloin
1/4 pound freshly ground brisket (if you can't find brisket, substitute ground chuck)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more if needed
4 potato rolls, preferably Martin's brand
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices American cheese
Four 1/4-inch-thick tomato slices
4 burger-sized pieces green-leaf lettuce
Epicurious Not-So-Secret Sauce

Special Equipment:

2 large griddle spatulas

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, use your hands to gently combine ground sirloin and brisket. Divide into four equal-sized, loosely meat pucks about 2 1/2 inches thick. Place patties on a plate lined with plastic wrap or parchment; transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes (do not exceed this amount of time).

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat a griddle, large cast-iron skillet, or large heavy stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and place the buns, cut-side down, in the pan. Cook until cut sides are golden-brown, about 2 minutes (you may need to do this in two batches, using additional butter if needed). Place toasted buns on four plates, reserving griddle or skillet.

    Step 3

    Remove patties from freezer. Increase heat to high and add 2 tablespoons oil to the griddle or skillet; heat until oil begins to smoke. Working one at a time, add a patty to griddle and immediately press one of the spatulas flat on top of the patty. Use the handle of the other to hammer the spatula down, smashing the patty until 1/2 inch thick. (You'll have to hammer harder and longer than you might think.) Press down and slide the spatula to remove it without tearing the patty; generously season patty with salt and pepper. Repeat smashing process with remaining patties.

    Step 4

    Flip each patty once the first side is deeply browned and crisp with craggly edges, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes for medium. Season the cooked side generously with salt and pepper, then add a slice of cheese and continue to cook until melted, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes more. Transfer cooked patties to bottom burger buns.

    Step 5

    Top burgers with tomatoes and lettuce; spread top buns with Not-So-Secret Sauce and place on top. Serve immediately.

TagsBurgerAmericanGround BeefBeefMeatCheeseDairyMainDinnerNut FreeSearCast Iron SkilletEpicurious

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in July
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Mango Chicken Summer Rolls
Rotisserie chicken makes quick work of these no-cook rolls with a spicy peanut sauce.
Morning Buns
Tender, buttery breakfast pastries with crisp caramelized edges, a fragrant cinnamon-orange filling, and a crackly sugar topping.
José Andrés Recipes Worth Bookmarking
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Paella de Pollo con Verduras
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Plum Karpatka (Polish Cream Puff Cake)
With dramatic choux layers and fruit-rippled cream, it’s the drag queen of Polish desserts.
Giant Cheesesteak Focaccia
A game-day hero featuring focaccia slathered with Calabrian chili aioli, piled high with cooked steak, melted cheese, peppers, and onions.
Speedy Chicken Stroganoff
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.