Description
This Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce is a flavorful American classic featuring double thin, crispy-edged beef patties topped with melted cheese and a creamy, tangy secret sauce. Served on toasted buttery buns and customizable with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, these burgers deliver a perfect balance of textures and savory goodness for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
- Butter (for toasting buns)
For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of paprika
Toppings (optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced tomato
- Thinly sliced onion
- Dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Make the secret sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls (2 balls per burger) without packing them tightly. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Smash and cook patties: Place 2 meatballs per burger onto the hot skillet. Immediately smash each ball flat using a spatula or burger press to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season each patty with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until edges are browned and crispy, then flip each patty, top with slices of cheese, and cook for an additional 1 minute to melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Toast the buns: While the patties cook, spread butter on the cut sides of the burger buns and toast them on the skillet until golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of secret sauce onto the bottom buns. Add optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, and dill pickles. Stack two cheese-topped patties per burger on top, then cover with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the assembled burgers immediately while hot, paired with fries or chips for a classic diner-style meal.
Notes
- Smashing the patties helps create crispy, flavorful edges that enhance texture and taste.
- For an authentic diner experience, use American cheese and soft potato buns.
- Do not over-pack the beef balls to ensure juicy, tender patties.
- Adjust toppings and sauce quantity to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
