American
Lacy-Edged Smash Burgers
Thin patties are smashed hard onto a ripping-hot griddle with a blanket of onions, creating lacy edges, sweet onion flavor, and a juicy center. The burgers finish with American cheese, mustard, and pickles so the whole stack tastes like a classic diner burger.
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh ProteinHigh CarbQuick WeeknightComfort Food
At a Glance
- Time
- 25 mins
- Serves
- Makes 4 burgers
- Cost
- Medium
- Cuisine
- American
- Dietary fit
- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 4 loose balls and keep them cold until the pan is hot. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it is just smoking, then add the oil.
- Place 2 beef balls in the skillet, top each with a small handful of onion, and smash them flat with a sturdy spatula until they are thin and frilly around the edges. Season with salt and pepper and let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes so the onions sizzle into the meat.
- Flip the patties, add the American cheese, and cook for 30 to 45 seconds until the cheese melts and the second side is browned. Repeat with the remaining beef and onion.
- Spread the mayonnaise and mustard on the toasted buns, then stack the burgers with dill pickles. Serve immediately while the edges are still crisp and the onions are sweet and hot.
Adaptations
Easy Swap- Gluten-Free: Easy Swap Easy swap; see the adaptation note below.
- Dairy-Free: Easy Swap Easy swap; see the adaptation note below.
- Vegetarian: Not Vegetarian Not adaptable; this recipe is built around meat, poultry, or seafood.
How to adapt: Use certified GF buns or lettuce wraps and dairy-free cheese if needed; the patties, onions, mustard, pickles, and mayo all stay shared.