02 October 2026 · Vol. XXXIV · № 12.327 Get the letterSearchSaved
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Tyler Smith’s Smash Burgers

Tyler Smith’s Smash Burgers

Why hit the drive-thru when you can nail this recipe at home? These smash burgers are flavor bombs—and all you need are a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes. —Tyler Smith, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Ingredients · Servings 6
  • 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 preferably)
  • 6 to 12 slices of mild cheddar cheese (for single or double cheese)
  • 6 brioche hamburger buns
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup pickle juice
  • Sliced pickles, optional
Method · 25 min
  1. Take your ground beef and split it into 6 individual balls (roughly 3-4 ounces in weight).
  2. Heat up a pan to a medium-high heat. Take one ball of beef and drop it into the pan. With a burger press or spatula, press the burger as flat into the pan as possible. Move the press/spatula around to even out the press. Add a small pinch of salt. Once the sides start to crisp (about 2-3 minutes), use a metal spatula to start scrapping the sides to separate the burger from the pan. Then, flip the burger. Add 1-2 slices of cheese and cover for 2-3 minutes while the other side cooks. Once the cheese is melted. Remove from heat and repeat for the 5 other burger balls.
  3. To toast the buns, either do this before or after the cook. I like to do it after so the buns soak up some of the burger juice and get a nice crust on the inside. Place in the pan on low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until toasted brown.
  4. For the sauce, combine the mayo, mustard, ketchup and pickle juice in a bowl and stir until completely mixed. Put the burgers on buns, sauce them up and enjoy!

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