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Easy 4-Ingredient Smash Burgers Recipe with Perfect Special Sauce

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe using just four main ingredients and a flavorful special sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Kosher salt or sea salt, to season
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to season
  • 4 slices American cheese (can substitute cheddar or pepper jack)
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish (sweet or dill)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the special sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon pickle relish. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed. Refrigerate while cooking.
  2. Preheat a cast iron skillet or heavy-duty griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, almost smoking.
  3. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls, about 4 ounces (115g) each. Handle gently to avoid overworking the meat.
  4. Place two beef balls on the hot skillet. Immediately smash each ball flat with a sturdy spatula until about ¼ inch (6mm) thick. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the patties carefully. Place a slice of American cheese on each. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy.
  7. Remove cooked patties and keep warm. Repeat the process with remaining beef balls.
  8. Toast buns lightly in the same skillet if desired. Spread a generous amount of special sauce on the bottom bun, add the cheese-covered patty, then top with optional lettuce, tomato, or pickles. Finish with the top bun.

Notes

Use cold beef for best crust and juiciness. Do not press patties after initial smash to keep juices inside. Preheat skillet well for crispy edges. The special sauce can be made ahead and tastes better after resting. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Cheese can be swapped for avocado or mushrooms for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, easy burger recipe, special sauce, quick dinner, 4-ingredient burger, cast iron skillet burger

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