Crispy Smash Burgers Recipe with Sweet Caramelized Onions
A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring crispy edges, juicy centers, and sweet caramelized onions for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Salt (preferably kosher salt)
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 4 slices cheese (optional, American or sharp cheddar)
- 4 sturdy, soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- Optional toppings: pickles, lettuce, tomato slices, ketchup, mustard, mayo
Instructions
- Thinly slice 2 medium yellow onions.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until golden-brown and fragrant. Lower heat if onions start to burn. Set aside.
- Divide 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces or 113 g each). Roll each into loose balls without overworking the meat.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Place a beef ball in the skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula to flatten to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold for 10-15 seconds to create a crispy crust.
- Season the exposed side with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving until a deep golden crust forms.
- Flip the patties carefully. Add a slice of cheese if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through (total cook time about 4-5 minutes per burger).
- While burgers cook, spread softened butter on buns. Place butter-side down on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden and slightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble burgers by layering toasted buns, crispy smash burgers, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and any optional toppings.
- Serve immediately while crust is crispy and onions are warm.
Notes
Use cold ground beef and handle it loosely to keep patties tender. Press patties once firmly to create a crispy crust. Cook onions low and slow to avoid burning. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun an
- Calories: 450500
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2530
Keywords: smash burgers, crispy burgers, caramelized onions, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, cast iron skillet burgers