Smash Burger Bowl (Printable)
Juicy seasoned beef with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, cheddar cheese, and special sauce in a bowl
# What You Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - ½ tsp black pepper
04 - ½ tsp garlic powder
→ Vegetables & Greens
05 - 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup dill pickles, sliced
→ Toppings
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
→ Smash Sauce
11 - ½ cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tbsp ketchup
13 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
14 - 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
15 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1 tsp white vinegar
17 - Pinch of black pepper
→ Garnishes
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
19 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
# How To Make:
01 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, smoked paprika, vinegar, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
02 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions. Place each on the hot skillet and press down firmly to flatten (about ½-inch thick). Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Break up into bite-sized pieces if desired.
03 - Divide shredded lettuce among 4 bowls. Top each with cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and cooked bacon (if using).
04 - Add the cooked beef to each bowl and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
05 - Spoon Smash Sauce generously over each bowl. Sprinkle with chives or green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get all the satisfaction of a greasy spoon burger without the post-meal carb coma that puts you out of commission for the afternoon
- The customizable nature means everyone can build their perfect bowl without special orders or restaurant modifications
02 -
- Crowding the pan is the fastest way to ruin your beef so work in batches if needed because those crispy edges only happen when meat has proper contact with the metal
- Letting the beef develop a dark crust is essential because that is where all the flavor lives and a grey burger patty is basically a crime against food
03 -
- Pre-shred your cheese from a block because pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting
- Toast some sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling them on top because toasted seeds have way more flavor