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Dinner

Classic Crispy Smash Burgers

This is the ultimate burger with crispy golden edges and a perfectly juicy center.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 17, 2026
Classic Crispy Smash Burgers
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
20 minutes
Serves
4

There is nothing quite like a homemade smash burger when you are craving something satisfying. The secret is to press the meat down firmly on a very hot pan so you get those delicious crunchy brown bits on the edges that lock in all the flavor.

My best tip for success is to keep your ground beef cold until the very last second. Keeping the fat solid helps create that amazing crust that makes these burgers taste just like your favorite diner style meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef, at least 20 percent fat
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 brioche burger buns
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional burger sauce or condiments of choice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and gently roll them into loose balls, being careful not to overwork the meat.

  2. 2

    Heat a heavy cast iron skillet over medium high heat until it is smoking slightly.

  3. 3

    Butter the cut sides of your buns and toast them in the skillet until golden brown, then set them aside.

  4. 4

    Place the meat balls into the hot pan and immediately smash them flat using a heavy spatula or a burger press until they are about a half inch thick.

  5. 5

    Season the patties generously with salt and pepper.

  6. 6

    Cook for about two to three minutes until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom.

  7. 7

    Flip the patties, place a slice of cheese on each, and cook for another minute until the cheese is melted and the meat is cooked through.

  8. 8

    Assemble your burgers on the toasted buns with your favorite sauce and serve immediately.

💡 Tips

You can serve these with simple pickles and onion slices to cut through the richness of the beef. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat them in a pan rather than the microwave to keep the crust crispy.

#burger#dinner#easy dinner#comfort food#beef

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