Smash Burger Bowl (Printable)
A deconstructed burger experience featuring juicy seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, tangy pickles, and creamy special sauce all layered in a bowl for easy eating.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef & Seasonings
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)
# How-to Steps:
01 - Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, smoked paprika, vinegar, and pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and place on hot skillet. 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.
03 - Divide shredded lettuce among 4 bowls. Top each with cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and cooked bacon if using.
04 - Distribute cooked beef evenly among bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
05 - Spoon Smash Sauce generously over each bowl. Sprinkle with chives or green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- You get all the satisfaction of a juicy smash burger with half the cleanup and none of the post-meal heaviness
- The homemade sauce comes together in seconds and makes everything taste like a drive-through secret menu item
02 -
- A hot pan is essential, if your skillet isnt hot enough the beef will steam instead of sear and you will miss that crusty exterior
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef, work in batches if needed to maintain high heat
03 -
- Pat your beef portions slightly dry with paper towels before cooking for better browning
- Let the cooked beef rest for a couple of minutes before adding to the bowls so the juices redistribute