Description

A quick and indulgent weeknight dinner featuring juicy 80/20 ground beef patties with lacy, crispy edges, topped with sweet caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
2 large yellow or Vidalia onions, sliced into thin half-rings
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 potato or brioche burger buns
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Neutral oil (avocado or canola)
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: Pickles, lettuce, or mayo-garlic spread

Instructions

Peel and slice onions into thin half-rings. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add butter and oil.
Cook onions for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (4-5 ounces each) and roll into loose balls. Keep chilled.
Heat the skillet over high heat until very hot.
Place a beef ball in the skillet and immediately smash it thin (about 1/4-inch thick) using a burger press or spatula.
Season the top side generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until edges are crispy and brown.
Flip the burger, place a slice of cheddar cheese on the patty, and top with caramelized onions.
Cook for another minute to melt the cheese and warm the onions.
Toast buns in the skillet for 30 seconds, then assemble and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not press down on the burgers after the initial smash to retain juices. Ensure the pan is screaming hot before adding meat to prevent steaming. If using lean beef, the burger may dry out; 80/20 is recommended for juiciness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger with bun an
Calories: 650
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 800
Fat: 45
Saturated Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 3
Protein: 30

Keywords: smash burger, crispy onion burger, quick dinner, weeknight meal, cast iron burger, ground beef recipe, comfort food