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A delicious copycat version of the Smashburger, this burger is flattened on top of melted butter, sprinkled with a seasoning mixture, then is piled high with vegetable toppings and a tasty mustard sauce.
Did you know that May is National Burger Month? Since burgers are one of my favorite things to make at home I knew I had to make a really great burger.
I actually had a hard time coming up with a burger. While I had a ton of great ideas it was for me to nail down an idea. So when I got my Food Network Magazine on Saturday I was happy to see that they had 5 awesome burger recipes!
The recipe I chose was a Copycat Smashburger. It’s funny that I picked this burger because I’ve never actually had a Smashburger from the restaurant. There just aren’t any close to me. In fact, the closest one is about 2 hours away. Smashburger is a restaurant chain that was founded in 2007 in Denver.
Ingredients:
- mayonnaise
- mustard (regular yellow mustard)
- pickle brine (this is the juice from the pickle jar)
- onion powder
- garlic powder (use the powder NOT garlic salt)
- paprika
- salt and pepper
- ground beef (use 85/15 for the best results)
- Worcestshire sauce
- butter (unsalted)
- Kaiser rolls
- American cheese
- dill pickle chips
- red onion
- lettuce
- tomatoes
To make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl combine the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
To make the sauce: In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and pickle brine. Mix well and set aside.
To make the burgers: Combine the ground beef and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and divide into 4 large balls. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add one ball of ground beef to the pan and press down firmly with metal spatulas. Remove the spatulas and sprinkle the beef patty with the seasoning mixture. Cook for 2 minutes then flip. Sprinkle the other side with the seasoning mix and top with a slice of cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
I know that the list of ingredients can look intimidating but a lot of them are spices you probably have in your cupboard. A few others are probably condiments you already have in your refrigerator.
So what is a Smashburger? I knew the answer to this one because I’ve seen a few TV shows that have recreated this burger. I also was lucky enough to go to the Certified Angus Beef headquarters and have one of the chef’s there show me how he made his version of this burger which was amazing.
The burger is made by putting a ball of ground beef in a buttered skillet and then smashing it down flat. Using a good quality beef is important because the burger is the star in this recipe so I used Certified Angus Beef brand ground beef. After it’s cooked cheese is placed on top along with other tasty toppings.
Do I have to use the sauce?
Yes, if you want to make the copycat version of this recipe then the sauce is essential. If you aren’t sure whether or not you are going to like it then just put a little bit on top of your bun, you can always add more later. But if you don’t like it you can always just use your favorite burger sauce.
Why add butter to the pan before smashing the burger?
There’s two reasons for this. The first is that without the butter these burgers tend to stick since you are smashing them into the pan. The second reason is that the butter gives this burger and awesome crust which is part of its signature flavor.
What is the best beef to use for these burgers?
I personally think that 85/15 is the best because you have enough fat to keep these burgers juicy but it isn’t too much. You can also use 80/20 and your burgers will turn out well. I would not use anything else.
How do I smash the burger?
I just use a spatula with a good amount of pressure but there are tools out there made just to help you press burgers. If you are looking for a good one THIS one is great for using at an in home kitchen.
I wasn’t sure about the sauce that went on the bun. It’s a simple combination of mustard, mayonnaise, and pickle brine. While I love mustard on my burgers, I am not a mayo person.
Since I was making this as a copycat recipe I made the sauce and actually really enjoyed it! It turned out to be a tangy, creamy type mustard that went really well with this burger.
I like how the butter on the burger gives it a nice crust. It had good seasoning and was really easy to make. Then I loaded it up with tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce, and I was ready for a taste.
More Great Burger Recipes:
- Winey Burgers
- Burgers with Bacon Bourbon Burger Sauce
- Burgers with Blueberry BBQ Sauce
- Jalapeno Cheddar Stuffed Burgers
- In-and-Out Cheeseburgers
This burger is super tasty! I had a hard time getting it in my mouth because it was huge but the flavors were great. The burger really shined through, the mustard sauce was perfect with the vegetables, and the vegetables added a nice color and crunch.
This is a great burger to serve for National Hamburger Day, National Burger Month, or anytime you are in the mood for a Smashburger. It’s easy to make, it’s colorful, and it tastes good. What more could you ask for in a burger?
If you’ve tried my Copycat Smashburger or any other recipe on Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can FOLLOW ME on:
Copycat Smashburger
Yield: serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
A delicious copycat version of the Smashburger, a hamburger flattened on top of butter then piled high with vegetable toppings and a tasty mustard sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle brine
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper
- 1 1/4 lb. ground beef (I used Certified Angus Beef 85/15)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 4 Kaiser rolls, split
- 4 slices American cheese
- 12 dill pickle chips
- 8 thin slices tomato
- 8 thin slices red onion
- 8 lettuce leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and pickle brine. Mix well and set aside.
- In another small bowl combine the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine the ground beef and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and divide into 4 large balls.
- Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Allow the butter to melt. Place the cut Kaiser rolls cut side down in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Remove from pan and place on a plate.
- Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add one ball of ground beef to the pan and press down firmly with 2 large crisscrossed metal spatulas for 10 seconds. Remove the spatulas and sprinkle the beef patty with the onion and garlic powder mixture. Allow to cook for 2 minutes then flip. (At this point begin cooking a second burger patty). Sprinkle the other side with the seasoning mix and top with a slice of cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Repeat with the remaining tablespoon of butter and remaining 2 balls of ground beef.
- To serve spread the mustard mixture on the bun tops. Place the burger patties on the bottom buns and top with pickles, tomato, red onions, and lettuce. Top with the bun tops and serve.
Notes
Recipe slightly adapted from Food Network Magazine, June 2017, p. 155.
Best Beef Recipes
- 30 Minute Beef Taco Skillet from Blogghetti
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry from Jen Around the World
- Beef Fondue from That Recipe
- Coffee Braised Short Ribs from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Copycat Panda Express Beijing Beef from Palatable Pastime
- Copycat Smashburger from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Crockpot French Dip au Jus from Art of Natural Living
- Italian Wedding Soup Skillet from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Skirt Steak with Kale Chimichurri Sauce from The Spiffy Cookie
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