Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight meal that deconstructs the classic smash burger into a bowl format, featuring crispy caramelized beef crumbles, tangy sauce, and crunchy toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef
- 4 soft hamburger buns, toasted
- 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon high smoke point oil (avocado or vegetable)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and wait until it shimmers.
- Divide ground beef into four equal balls. Place one ball in the hot pan and press down firmly with a spatula or heavy glass to create a thin patty (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Cook for 2 minutes until the edges are deep brown and crispy. Do not move the patty during this time.
- Flip the patties carefully. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each patty and let it melt for 30-60 seconds.
- Chop the beef patties into bite-sized pieces with a spatula to create crispy crumbles. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, toast the cut sides of the hamburger buns for about 30 seconds using the leftover beef fat.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the bowls by layering the sauce, crispy beef, diced red onion, and sliced pickles. Top with toasted bun pieces or serve over greens.
Notes
Keep beef cold until cooking to ensure better searing. Press hard to create crispy edges. Store leftovers separately to maintain texture; reheat beef in a skillet to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl per serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: smash burger, burger bowl, quick dinner, weeknight meal, high protein, low carb option, ground beef recipe, 15 minute meals