Name: Classic Diner-Style Smash Burgers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds 80/20 ground beef, cold; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 8 slices American cheese; 4 hamburger buns, split; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish; Toppings: shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato, thinly sliced onion, dill pickle chips

Instructions

Stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and relish to make the burger sauce. Refrigerate until serving.
Divide the beef into 8 loosely packed balls (about 3 ounces each). Keep them in the fridge until the pan is hot.
Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until golden, about 1 minute. Set aside.
Turn the heat to high and let the skillet get very hot, about 3 minutes. Place 2 or 3 beef balls in the pan, leaving plenty of space.
Immediately press each ball flat with a sturdy metal spatula into a thin patty, about 1/4 inch thick. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Cook without moving until the edges are deeply browned and crispy, about 2 minutes. Scrape under each patty, flip, and top with a slice of cheese. Cook 1 minute more, until the beef is cooked through and the cheese melts.
Stack two patties on each bottom bun. Spread sauce on the top buns, add your toppings, and serve right away.

Classic Diner-Style Smash Burgers

Good to know before you start