BBQ Smash Burgers (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Seasoning
01 -
½ teaspoon salt
02 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
03 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
½ teaspoon onion powder
05 -
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
→ Burgers and Toppings
06 -
24 ounces ground beef (80/20 preferred)
07 -
8 strips bacon
08 -
3 tablespoons butter
09 -
4 small onions, thinly sliced
10 -
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
11 -
¼ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
12 -
8 slices cheddar cheese
13 -
4 pretzel buns or buns of choice
# Instructions:
01 -
Mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
02 -
Divide the ground beef into 3-ounce portions and roll each into a ball. You should have 8 balls total.
03 -
Heat your flat-top grill to medium. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
04 -
Add the butter to the grill and let it melt. Toss in the sliced onions to coat them in butter. Season with about a quarter of the seasoning mixture. Toss frequently with a spatula until they wilt and start to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
05 -
Turn the heat up to high and grease the flat-top with the oil. Season the top of each meat ball with some of the seasoning mixture.
06 -
Place the balls seasoned-side down on the grill. Using parchment paper and a weight, smash each ball as thin as possible, focusing on the edges. Season the top side after smashing. Cook until the meat looks a bit holey and browned around the edges, about 2 minutes.
07 -
Use a scraper to flip each patty. Brush the cooked side with BBQ sauce, then quickly add a slice of cheese. Cook until the cheese melts, about 2 more minutes.
08 -
Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom of each bun. Stack two burger patties on each bun, then top with caramelized onions, bacon, and more BBQ sauce if you like.
# Notes:
01 -
Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest burgers
02 -
Each burger gets two smashed patties for maximum flavor
03 -
Pretzel buns are recommended but any bun works
04 -
You can freeze the cooked patties for up to 3 months
05 -
If you don't have a flat-top, use a cast iron griddle or large skillet
06 -
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or Swiss for variety