Smash Burger Bowl (Print Version)

Juicy beef, fresh veggies, and special sauce in a convenient bowl format

# What You Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - ½ tsp black pepper
04 - ½ tsp garlic powder

→ Vegetables & Greens

05 - 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup dill pickles, sliced

→ Toppings

09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

→ Smash Sauce

11 - ½ cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tbsp ketchup
13 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
14 - 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
15 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1 tsp white vinegar
17 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Garnishes

18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
19 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, smoked paprika, vinegar, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
02 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions. Place each on the hot skillet and press down firmly to flatten (about ½-inch thick). Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Break up into bite-sized pieces if desired.
03 - Divide shredded lettuce among 4 bowls. Top each with cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and cooked bacon (if using).
04 - Add the cooked beef to each bowl and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
05 - Spoon Smash Sauce generously over each bowl. Sprinkle with chives/green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
06 - Serve immediately, optionally with burger bun croutons or fries on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get every satisfying element of a burger without the bread getting in the way
  • The crispy smashed beef edges mix perfectly with cold crisp lettuce
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes even on your most exhausted nights
02 -
  • Do not press down on the beef after seasoning or you will lose all that flavorful crust
  • Let the skillet get properly hot before adding beef or you will steam instead of sear
03 -
  • Crowd the beef less than you think you should for better browning
  • Use a metal spatula to scrape up all the crispy bits from the pan

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