If you have never had a Smash Burger, you are missing out! These delicious burgers were given this name because of the method used to cook them; the burger patties are simply “smashed” flat onto a griddle to cook. They cook within minutes because they are so thin, and they form a crispy outside because of the cooking method. Topped with melty cheese and stacked on a soft potato bun, these burgers are simply delicious. I decided to recreate these burgers at home for about half of the calories and WW points. These lightened-up smash burgers are a great option for an indulgent-tasting, family-friendly dinner at home.
Characteristics of a smash burger
Smash burgers got their name from the method used to cook them: ground beef is simply smashed onto a griddle, and made into a super flat patty. This cooking method allows the meat to get crispy around the edges, giving these burgers a unique taste as compared to other traditional burgers.
Other components of a classic smash burger are: crispy cooked onions, a potato bun, and a special “smash” sauce. I have tried to replicate all of these components, lightening them up a bit, while maintaining that classic flavor we all love.
The combination of the super soft potato roll, crispy beef patties, melty cheese, cooked onions, and special sauce honestly make these burgers one of the most enjoyable things to eat! I recommend serving these burgers with air fried French fries for a complete meal: I simply throw frozen French fries into my air fryer with some cooking spray and kosher salt, and then air fry them at 370F until they are golden brown (tossing them frequently to prevent sticking).
What makes this burger “lightened-up”?
There are only a few components that contribute to this recipe being “lightened-up.”
- 96/4 extra lean ground beef
- I use this cut of beef to make all of my burgers. It is real, ground beef, but very lean. The macros are very favorable! It makes enjoying real beef burgers easy, and they fit right into my healthier eating lifestyle.
- light mayo
- I use light mayo in the sauce here, but all of the other ingredients are pretty standard. There is no extra oil used in this sauce.
- cooking without the use of oil
- I do not cook the burger patties with any butter or oil (I don’t find that it’s necessary). Instead, I use non-stick cooking spray, and I rely on the natural fats and juices from the ground beef to help with the cooking process.
What you will need to make lightened-up smash burgers
To make these burgers, you will need the following ingredients:
- potato rolls
- 96/4 extra lean ground beef
- I buy mine locally at King Kullen supermarket (their store brand), but this cut of beef can also be found at Trader Joe’s or Aldi.
- kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- onion
- American cheese
- lettuce
- light mayo
- I use the Hellman’s brand.
- mustard
- I used spicy brown mustard for this
- pickles and pickle juice (dill preferred)
- paprika
- garlic powder
How to make lightened-up smash burgers
The key to making these burgers is the method used to cook the patties: by smashing them. Start out by weighing out eight 2 ounce portions of the burger meat. Each burger will get two patties.
Next, preheat a griddle over medium high heat. Here, I used a double griddle, which goes over two burners of my stove (I have linked a similar one here: Double Griddle. This pan isn’t necessary, but it helps the cooking process greatly. All of the burgers can cook at once!
Add the burger meat to the griddle, then press each patty down flat with your spatula. Get the patties as flat as possible, and then season them with kosher salt and pepper (just a pinch of each). Thinly slice the onion and add the onion slices around the burger patties. Cook the patties for just a few minutes per side (they won’t take long). Then, add half a slice of cheese to each patty and melt the cheese. You might have to cook the onions a bit longer than the patties: just until they are caramelized and start to brown.
To make the sauce, combine all of the sauce ingredients. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the sauce on each burger bun, and then top with two of the cheesy patties, the cooked onions, and toppings of your choice (more pickles, lettuce, tomato, etc.).
Lightened-Up Smash Burgers
Equipment
- griddle
Ingredients
- 4 potato rolls, used: Martins Potato Rolls
- 1 lb 96/4 extra lean ground beef
- kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- 1 onion
- 4 slices American cheese, used: Velveeta singles
- lettuce, tomato if desired
Smash Sauce
- 1/4 cup light mayo
- 2 tbsp mustard, used: spicy brown mustard
- 2 tbsp pickles, minced - Dill pickles
- 2 tbsp pickle juice, Dill pickles
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Weigh the ground beef out into eight 2-ounce portions.
- Preheat a griddle over medium high heat.
- Spray the griddle with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the portioned ground beef to the griddle. Smash each ground beef portion down with a spatula until super flat.
- Sprinkle the smashed patties with kosher salt and pepper.
- Thinly slice the onion and add the onion slices to the griddle, between the patties.
- Cook the patties for a couple of minutes per side.
- Add 1/2 slice of cheese to the top of each patty to melt.
- Continue cooking the onions until crispy and caramelized.
- Remove the patties from the griddle, each burger gets two patties with cheese (stack them into four portions).
- Combine all of the smash sauce ingredients together.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the sauce to each potato bun.
- Top each bun with two patties and cooked onions. Add lettuce and tomato if desired.
Notes
- 9 WW points per burger (with bun) - all WW plans
Nutrition
Try these other great beef burger recipes:
Bacon, Mushroom and Swiss Burger
Italian Burger with Crispy Prosciutto
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These were amaaaazzzing!! Thank you!
Made this. Was yummy and so easy. Was able to divide meat and frozen meat in correct portion will be using again and again.
I just made this, and WOW! It was SO SO SO good
Mouth watering! My husband loved it too!
Smash burgers were on the menu at my house last night and I will definitely be making them again on our next burger night. Family and I absolutely loved them. And the the sauce on the burgers! OMG! So good!!
Another great recipe Stephanie. A great way to liven up classic burger. The smash sauce and caramelized onions take these burgers to a whole new level. Two thumbs up from my whole family!!
I have to make this! I love all of the “take out burgers” out there and have never really thought of trying to make them at home. Will save money and time! This sauce looks divine!
I don’t have these buns near me.. how many points are these so I know what to swap? Can’t wait to try!
4!
These smash burgers were absolute fire! Will be adding these on to regular rotation. So easy to toss together for a quick dinner& absolutely delicious!
These were amazing! Big hit with the family
These burgers were 10/10! Made them tonight and was blown away by how delicious they were! My husband asked when I’m making them again, I said “how does tomorrow sound?” Haha! I served them with delicata fries mixed w/ a few tater tots.
Absolutely amazing, so yummy!
Quote from the dad and 12 year old son…mom these are ridiculous. Thanks for another keeper steph!
Made these for dinner for me and the kids and they were probably the best burgers I ever made! Never thought to make a fast food style burger, loved the sauce to go with it (so good with fries too) and don’t skip the grilled onions.
Is two patties considered as one burger? I’m a little confused with the serving and points value.
I’m about to makes these and kinda wondered the same thing. After reading it over, I think it is two patties per burger.
Yes it is! Sorry for any confusion
OMG these are the best!! I have had the real deal and these are just as good if not better! The whole family loves them and teen son eats 2 burgers (with double patty)! You must make these!!! Thanks Steph for adding another staple recipe to my mix!
Delicious! We loved the smash sauce! Easy meal to pull together…faster than takeout!
Soooooooooooo good !!!
This is hands down the best at-home burger we’ve ever made. 10/10!
Wow this is my new go-to for making lean beef burgers taste good. Thank you!!! So easy and delicious and filling.
Absolutely loved these! They were so juicy and decadent, and super easy to make. I probably didn’t smash my burgers down enough but learned for next time. The onions and sauce are so perfect on these burgers. Will definitely make again!
These lightened up smash burgers are AMAZING!! My family loved them!!
Made these for dinner last night with some truffle fries, AMAZING!
Made these again tonight. Such a hit with my family!! Better than a restaurant and TONS cheaper than going out!!
Everyone devoured them. Awesome recipe. Thank you!
SO good and easy to make!
Oh my gosh!!! Fantastic!!! The sauce makes it. Love love love this recipe!
Made these with some air fried frozen fries tonight and, wow! I feel like I just got some delicious take-out. So delicious all around and love the sauce. Such a quick meal to make too so I’ll probably repeat on a weeknight!
This recipe is so delicious! We’ve made it every week for the past 3 weeks and with the warm weather on its way i don’t see that stopping anytime soon. A must try recipe! I double the sauce recipe so I have it on hand and don’t need to make it everytime we have the burgers.
This has become a staple in our house. Friday night dinners when we want something easy, quick, and delicious. Even my pickiest eater raves about these burgers! The sauce is a must! Puts these burgers over the top!! Another great recipe Steph! Thank you.
The sauce on these is phenomenal. I haven’t mastered a technique to make 16 patties at once (doubling the recipe for my large family) and not having them dry out, and getting the onions to be ready at the same time as all those burgers. I feel like if you are making this for a crowd, you need one of those huge stovetop griddles. Maybe someday I’ll get one of those. For now we will stick to fewer patties, cooked on the grill.
I was craving a good burger but can’t bring myself to eat one at a restaurant. There’s just too many calories!! I made these instead, and WOW! They hit the spot, were so tasty and simply amazing!! Thank you Steph!!
Made the sauce following exact measurements and it’s a liquid. May taste ok but doesn’t work if it doesn’t stay on the burger. Check your measurements.
We love these!! Our go to recipe for burgers at home!
These are so easy and delicious!!! The entire family loved them!
Amazing! Everyone devoured them and my dad said this is restaurant worthy. Definitely going in the rotation.
Hi I don’t eat red meat? can I use ground turkey instead? Thank you!
This is restaurant quality!