Easy Smash Burger Bowl Recipe – Flavorful & Quick

Craving the irresistible taste of a smash burger but want something a little lighter and quicker? This Easy Smash Burger Bowl recipe deconstructs your favorite burger into a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on deliciousness!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef, divided into 4 balls
• 4 slices American cheese or cheddar
• 4 brioche burger buns or similar, cut into cubes (optional, for ‘croutons’)
• 1 head crisp lettuce (e.g., romaine, iceberg), chopped
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
• 4 dill pickle spears, sliced or diced
• For the Special Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning beef

Instructions

1. First, prepare your special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
2. Prepare your burger bowls: Chop the lettuce, dice the tomato, slice the red onion, and slice the pickles. Arrange these fresh ingredients into four individual serving bowls.
3. If using, prepare the bun ‘croutons’: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the bun cubes and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add the neutral oil, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan.
5. Place two of the ground beef balls into the hot skillet. Immediately place a piece of parchment paper over each ball and use a sturdy spatula or burger press to firmly smash them down into thin patties, about 1/4-inch thick. Season generously with salt and pepper.
6. Cook for 1-2 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip the patties, immediately place a slice of cheese on each, and cook for another 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through.
7. Remove the cooked patties and place them on top of the prepared bowls. Repeat with the remaining two beef balls and cheese slices.
8. To serve, drizzle a generous amount of the special sauce over each burger bowl. Garnish with toasted bun ‘croutons’ (if using) and an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy immediately!