Smash Burger Recipe
Ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, chipotle mayo on a flour tortilla
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Ingredients
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Burger Components
Tortilla & Assembly
Veggies & Pickles
Chipotle Mayo
Method
Chipotle Mayo
Make the sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using) and salt. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or acidity — add more adobo for heat or a few drops of lime for brightness. Refrigerate until assembly (at least 10 minutes).
Burger Patties
Portion the meat
Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Form loose, compacted balls — do not overwork the meat. Lightly season the top of each ball with a pinch of kosher salt and a little black pepper; reserve the rest of the salt and pepper for after smashing.
Preheat griddle or skillet
Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high to high heat until very hot (about 3–5 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and spread to coat the surface.
Smash the patties
Place one meat ball on the hot surface. Using a sturdy spatula or a heavy metal press (place a piece of parchment or foil between press and meat if desired), press the ball down quickly and firmly to about 1/4-inch thickness. Repeat for remaining balls, leaving space between patties. Season the exposed tops with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper immediately after smashing.
Cook and add cheese
Cook the patties without moving them until the edges are deeply browned and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. Flip each patty and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for another 30–60 seconds until cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through. Remove patties to a plate and let rest briefly.
Tortillas & Assembly
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1 tablespoon of chipotle mayo onto the center of each warmed tortilla. Place one cheese-topped smash patty on top of the mayo. Add shredded lettuce (about 1/4 cup per tortilla), 2 pickle chips, and 2 tomato slices (or 2–3 thin slices). Fold or roll the tortilla around the fillings like a wrap or leave open-faced as desired.
Serve
Serve immediately while patties are hot and cheese is melty. Offer extra chipotle mayo on the side and additional pickles or hot sauce if desired.