Smash Burger Bowl (Printer-friendly)
Deconstructed burger with juicy beef, fresh vegetables, and homemade sauce in a bowl.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
04 - ½ teaspoon 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 tablespoons ketchup
13 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
14 - 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
17 - Pinch of black pepper
→ Garnishes
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
19 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
# How To Make It:
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 or green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- All the joy of a burger without the bun falling apart halfway through
- The sauce keeps in your fridge for a week and somehow improves everything it touches
02 -
- Letting the beef develop a dark crust is what makes this taste like a smash burger not just ground beef
- The sauce needs at least 15 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to actually become friends
03 -
- Cast iron retains heat better and gives you that restaurant quality crust on the beef
- Warm the bowls in the oven for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese melts just right