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Easy Blackstone Smash Burger Recipe for Budget-Friendly Summer Meals

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe cooked on a Blackstone griddle, perfect for budget-friendly summer meals with a crispy crust and juicy center.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche or classic white)
  • Unsalted butter for toasting buns
  • Sliced dill pickles (optional)
  • Thinly sliced onions (raw or caramelized)
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C) and let it warm for 5-7 minutes.
  2. Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz or 113g each), handling gently to keep tender.
  3. Spread a thin layer of unsalted butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them butter-side down on the griddle for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Place one beef ball on the griddle and use a metal spatula to press down firmly until the patty is about 1/4-inch (6mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to create a crust. Repeat for all patties without overcrowding.
  5. Season the patties generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper while cooking.
  6. Cook the patties without moving for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
  7. Flip each patty carefully and immediately place a slice of cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy.
  8. Assemble the burger by layering lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles on the bottom bun, then add the cheesy patty, onions, ketchup, and mustard. Finish with the top bun.
  9. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the crispy crust and juicy center.

Notes

Use cold ground beef for better smashing and to keep patties together. Don’t overwork the meat. Press firmly but briefly to create a crust. Lightly oil the griddle to prevent sticking. Toast buns last to keep them warm and crispy. Variations include using different cheeses, plant-based patties, or gluten-free buns.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, Blackstone griddle, budget-friendly, summer meals, quick burger, easy recipe, juicy burger, crispy crust