Name: Irresistible Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb 80/20 ground beef; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 slices American cheese; 4 brioche buns; Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp pickle juice

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Introduction

This irresistible smash burger recipe delivers crispy, juicy patties topped with melted American cheese and a tangy, easy secret sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend cookout, these burgers are simple yet bursting with flavor.

A close-up view of a juicy cheeseburger showing five main layers stacked inside a shiny sesame seed bun. The bottom bun is lightly toasted with some sauce dripping off the edge and a few pieces of green lettuce above it. Next is a thick, grilled beef patty with a slightly charred texture. On top of the patty is a slice of melted yellow cheddar cheese. Above the cheese, there are two green pickle slices sitting in a creamy, orange-colored sauce with visible spices. The top bun is glossy with sesame seeds scattered evenly across it. The burger is placed on a brown wooden surface with a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb 80/20 ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 slices American cheese
4 brioche buns
Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp pickle juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice to create the secret sauce.
Step 3: Form the ground beef into four loose balls and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Place each ball on the hot grill or skillet and smash down firmly to form patties. Cook for about 3 minutes until crispy edges form.
Step 5: Flip the patties and immediately top each with a slice of cheese; cook for an additional minute until melted.
Step 6: Assemble burgers by spreading secret sauce on both sides of brioche buns and layering with patties and desired toppings.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the buns lightly on the grill before assembling the burgers.
Try swapping American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for a different twist.
Use spicy pickles or add jalapeños to the toppings for a kick.
For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Storage

Store leftover cooked patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently on a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh buns and toppings to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a juicy hamburger shows a toasted sesame seed bun on top with a shiny, golden brown color. Under the bun, there are three green pickle slices resting on a layer of creamy, orange spicy sauce with visible red specks. Below the sauce is a melted, bright yellow slice of cheddar cheese that covers a thick, grilled beef patty with a charred, crispy texture. Beneath the patty, there is a layer of fresh green lettuce. The bottom bun is toasted lightly with some of the spicy sauce dripping down the side. The burger sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the secret sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.

What if I don’t have a grill or skillet?

You can use a heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet on the stove. Heating it well before smashing the patties helps achieve crispy edges similar to a grill.