Best Smashed Meatball Burgers Recipes

SMASH BURGERS

Steps:

• Place a 9-in. cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, gently shape beef into 4 balls, shaping just enough to keep together (do not compact). , Increase burner temperature to medium-high; add oil. Working in batches, add beef. With a heavy metal spatula, flatten to 1/4- to 1/2-in. thickness; sprinkle each with 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook until edges start to brown, about 1-1/2 minutes. Turn burgers and sprinkle with additional 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook until well browned and a thermometer reads at least 160°, 1 minute. Repeat with remaining beef., Serve burgers on buns with toppings as desired.

SMASHED BURGERS

Steps:

• Divide the beef into 2-ounce portions and form into balls; you will have 28.
• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place the beef balls on the surface and use a large spatula to smash them as flat as they can possibly go. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Flip and immediately place a slice of cheese on half of the patties. Thirty seconds later, transfer the other patties onto the ones with the cheese. Wait a few seconds, then place on the buns. Keep going until you have 14 burgers.
• Serve with lettuce, pickles and tomatoes on the side.

SMASH BURGERS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the beef, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. (Do not put the salt in the mixture; you'll add it later.) Using your hands, mix until evenly combined. Form the meat into 4 large meatballs (about 4½ oz each), then pat each ball into a 1-inch-thick disc; smooth out the edges as best you can. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or until ready to cook (up to 24 hours, covered).
• Turn on your exhaust fan and heat a 12-inch cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the patties from the fridge and season all over with the salt. Coat the hot pan evenly with the oil. Place the burgers on the skillet one at a time, firmly smashing them flat with a metal spatula until about ¼-inch thick before adding and smashing the next one. Let cook for 2 to 3 minutes until nicely browned and crusty on the bottom. Flip the burgers and top with the cheese; cook for 2 minutes more for medium-rare to medium burgers, or 3 minutes for medium to medium-well burgers. Place the burgers on the buns and serve with toppings of choice.

SMASHED MEATBALL SANDWICHES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the beef, sausage, and panko. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and salt and add to the meat. Use clean hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until evenly combined, being careful not to over-mix. Form the mixture into 8 meatballs.
• Add the marinara sauce to a straight-sided skillet and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. When the sauce is simmering, gently nestle in the meatballs. Turn the heat down to low and cover the pan. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through.
• Slice each hoagie roll through the center, but do not slice all the way through. This will help keep everything in the sandwich. Working one at a time, tear a slice of cheese in half and place the halves on the base of the roll. Place a few basil leaves on the top half of the roll. Transfer 2 meatballs on top of the cheese and use a fork to smash the meatballs, exposing the meat in the center and spreading it to cover the base of the roll. Spoon a few tablespoons of extra sauce onto the meat. Close the sandwich and transfer it to a square of parchment paper. Tightly wrap the sandwich with parchment paper. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve.

SMASHED HAMBURGERS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large (12-inch) sauté pan over medium heat, add the onions, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and starting to brown. Add the sugar, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned and caramelized. Add the vinegar and cook for 30 seconds to deglaze the pan.
• Meanwhile, combine the dry mustard, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Place the ground beef in a medium bowl and sprinkle on the mustard mixture. With your fingers, lightly work the mustard into the beef and shape into four 1-inch-thick patties. Place them on a plate and freeze for exactly 15 minutes.
• Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons oil. From the freezer, place the burgers directly in the hot skillet. With a large metal spatula, firmly press each burger into the pan. Cook the burgers for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, without moving them, so the bottoms get browned and crusty. Flip the burgers, then spoon on the onions and sprinkle the Gruyère on top. Place a lid on the skillet and cook the burgers for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burgers are medium-rare inside. Place one burger on each roll and serve hot with ketchup on the side.