Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare Patties and Heat Skillet
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions, forming loose balls without compacting them. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly.
Smash and Cook Burgers
- Place a beef ball onto the hot skillet, then immediately use a sturdy spatula or burger press to firmly smash it down into a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom. Carefully scrape under the patty with the spatula to release it, then flip.
- Immediately place a slice of cheese on top of the cooked side of each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
Toast Buns and Assemble
- While the burgers are cooking, lightly butter the cut sides of the burger buns and toast them on the skillet or in a separate pan until golden brown.
- Assemble the burgers on the toasted buns, adding any desired toppings such as onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato, or your favorite burger sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the best crust, ensure your skillet is screaming hot before adding the beef. Don't overcrowd the pan, and use a high-fat ground beef (80/20 chuck) for maximum flavor and juiciness. Toasting the buns is crucial for texture and preventing sogginess.