Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRoyals Hot ChickenSmashed Meatball Burger Recipe

Smashed Meatball Burger Recipe

Inspired by Royals Hot Chicken
Time45m
Serves4

3D Valley Farm beef meatballs, red sauce, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, spicy pickled peppers, toasted potato bun

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Ingredients

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Meatballs

Method

Prepare Meatballs

  1. 1

    Make the Meatball Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined.

  2. 2

    Form the Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

  3. 3

    Cook the Meatballs

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Assemble the Burger

  1. 4

    Toast the Buns

    While the meatballs are baking, slice the potato buns in half and toast them lightly until golden.

  2. 5

    Prepare the Sauce and Cheese

    In a small saucepan, heat the red sauce over medium heat until warmed through. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven.

  3. 6

    Smash the Meatballs

    Using a spatula or the back of a fork, carefully smash each meatball down slightly on the baking sheet.

  4. 7

    Add Sauce and Cheese

    Spoon a generous amount of red sauce over each smashed meatball, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.

  5. 8

    Melt the Cheese

    Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. 9

    Build the Burger

    Place the smashed meatball with cheese on the bottom half of each toasted potato bun. Top with spicy pickled peppers and the top half of the bun.

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