Smash Burger Bowl (Printable)

Juicy seasoned beef with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and favorite toppings in a bowl.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - ½ tsp black pepper
04 - ½ tsp garlic powder

→ Vegetables & Greens

05 - 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup dill pickles, sliced

→ Toppings

09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

→ Smash Sauce

11 - ½ cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tbsp ketchup
13 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
14 - 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
15 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1 tsp white vinegar
17 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Garnishes

18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
19 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, smoked paprika, vinegar, and pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
02 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions. Place each on the hot surface and press firmly to flatten to about ½-inch thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Break into bite-sized pieces if desired.
03 - Divide shredded lettuce evenly among 4 serving bowls. Top each with cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and cooked bacon if using.
04 - Distribute the cooked beef evenly among the bowls. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each serving.
05 - Drizzle Smash Sauce generously over each bowl. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • All the satisfaction of a juicy burger without the post-meal carb coma that slows you down
  • The crispy edges on the beef create texture you just cant get from a regular patty
  • Every forkful hits all the classic flavor combinations in perfect ratio
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd your pan or the beef will steam instead of getting that beautiful caramelized crust we are after
  • The sauce needs at least 15 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld properly
  • These bowls actually reheat surprisingly well if you keep the sauce on the side
03 -
  • Use two spatulas to flip if your beef portions are large, it keeps everything intact
  • Toast some burger bun pieces in the beef fat after cooking for croutons that will change your life

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