Cast Iron Smash Burger (AI Generated)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 chuck)
• 4 potato buns
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 4 slices American cheese
• Butter for buns

Optional Toppings

• Thinly sliced onion
• Pickles
• Ketchup, mustard, mayo

Instructions

1. Divide beef into 4 equal balls. Do not season yet.
2. Heat cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking — 5 minutes minimum.
3. Place a ball on the skillet. Press flat immediately with a sturdy spatula or burger press. Press hard — you want it thin. Season the top with salt and pepper.
4. Cook without moving for 2–3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.
5. Flip. Immediately place cheese on top. Cook 1 more minute.
6. While burgers cook, butter buns and toast them in a separate pan or on the edges of the skillet.
7. Assemble. Eat immediately.

Notes

• The smash happens once, right when the ball hits the pan. Don’t press again after that or you’ll squeeze out juice.
• American cheese is non-negotiable here. It melts properly. Save the aged cheddar for something else.
• If your smoke detector doesn’t go off, your pan wasn’t hot enough.