Easy Smash Burger Bowl – Delicious & Quick Recipe

Love smash burgers but want a lighter, quicker option? This Easy Smash Burger Bowl delivers all the classic flavors you crave, deconstructed into a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and fully customizable!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef
• 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or your favorite greens)
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• For the Special Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle relish (sweet or dill)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Set aside.
2. 2. Prepare your toppings: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Dice the tomato, chop the pickles, and thinly slice or finely dice the red onion. Arrange these in separate bowls for easy assembly.
3. 3. Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the neutral oil.
4. 4. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Place two portions into the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Immediately place a piece of parchment paper or a flat spatula on top of each beef portion and firmly smash it down with another spatula or a heavy pot to create a very thin patty.
5. 5. Season the smashed patties generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
6. 6. Flip the patties, immediately place a slice of cheese on each, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through. If desired, break the cooked patties into smaller, bite-sized pieces in the pan. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
7. 7. Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining ground beef portions.
8. 8. To assemble the bowls: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top each with the cheeseburger crumbles (or whole patties, broken up).
9. 9. Add generous amounts of the prepared toppings: diced tomato, chopped pickles, and sliced red onion.
10. 10. Drizzle each bowl generously with the special sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Easy Smash Burger Bowl!