Cast Iron Smash Burger Recipe

Want to make the best burgers at home? This smash burger recipe is so easy to make in a cast iron skillet right on the stovetop. Ready in just a few minutes, so you can quickly feed the whole fam.

With the classic burger flavors, top these with cheese for that perfect hot of the griddle taste.

Cast Iron Smash Burger Recipe

If you have never tried making your own restaurant quality (or even better) at home, this is the recipe you need to try. It is so simple to get it just right every time, I promise everyone will be impressed and whether you like it or not, you will be the burger master.

We like to top these smash cheeseburgers with the classic burger toppings; mustard, ketchup, dill pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and our favorite, caramelized onions.

Why Cook Burgers in Cast Iron

While using a cast iron skillet to cook a Smashburger might take you back to your grandma’s kitchen, it really is the best option for making a perfect pan-fried burger at home.

Cast iron is known for its heat-retaining abilities, like its superpower, which helps cook foods evenly and make that perfect crispy crust on the outside of the steak.

When seasoned correctly, cast iron has a lovely non-stick finish that makes cleaning up a breeze. Who doesn’t love that on a busy weeknight?

With so many reasons to love and use it, cast iron is my go-to pan for making perfect stovetop burgers at home.

Don’t Have a Cast Iron Skillet?

A cast iron skillet is not necessary if you don’t own one to make these Smashburgers. If you don’t own a cast iron skillet, a non-stick 12-inch skillet or even an electric griddle can be used.

Recommended Equipment

• 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet– this is the cast iron pan that I use in my kitchen. I really use it for everything from proteins to breads and even cookies!
• Fish Spatula– or another spatula, I love how wide and thin this spatula is, it makes getting under everything so easy.
• Smash Burger Tool– this will come in handy to make those thin, lace burgers. Not necessary, but it makes the job easier.
  

How to Make A Smash Burger on the Stove

Now that we are all drooling and craving a good, crisp cheeseburger, let’s talk about how to make a skillet burger right on the stove.

1. Prepare the Burgers– start by getting the hamburgers ready for the skillet. Using 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef, separate the beef into 1/4 pound rounds. Season each ball of ground beef with sea salt, ground black pepper, and a splash or Worcestershire sauce. Keep chilled until ready to use.

2. Toast the Buns– before anything else gets into the pan, heat it over medium heat and toast the buns, top and bottom, until they are golden brown.

3. Cook the Onions– thinly slice a yellow onion and cook in the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat in 2 tablespoons of butter. Season with salt and cook and stir for about 10 minutes until golden and soft. Lastly, add about 2 teaspoons of sugar and cook for an additional minute. Remove from the pan.

4. Smash the Burgers– now that the pan is hot and full of buttery seasoning, it’s time to cook the hamburgers. Place one of the formed beef balls into the center of your 12-inch cast iron skillet and press down firmly with the burger press. The burger should be very flat and thin with even just a few holes in it, like lace.
5. Cook the Burgers– cook the thin burger for about 1 minute until it is crispy. Flip and top with a thin slice of mild cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional minute until the other side is crisp.
6. Assemble the Burgers– Place the cooked cheeseburger patty onto the toasted bun. Add your favorite burger toppings, including the caramelized onions, and enjoy.

Smash Burger Serving Suggestions

While this burger alone can be a meal, sometimes you need something a little more, especially if you are serving this at a party or family meal. We like to eat cheeseburgers with a simple pasta salad, watermelon, and some crispy potatoes.

More Cast Iron Recipes To Try

If you love cooking in a cast iron skillet, check out my other recipes. These are all easy recipes that are perfect for any night of the week.

Cast Iron Smash Burger Recipe

When you have finished feeding your fam this delicious red lentil recipe, be sure to come back and leave me a review here! I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turned out for you!

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