Smash Burger Bowl

The first time I made these, my roommate walked in mid-smash and asked if I was angry at the meat. That aggressive pressing into the hot skillet is exactly what gives these beef bites their crispy edges and deep flavor, far superior to gentle crumbling.

Last summer I served these at a rooftop dinner with friends who swore they needed actual burgers to feel satisfied. By the end of the night, even the bun enthusiasts were scraping their bowls clean and asking for extra sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend: The fat ratio matters here lean beef wont give you those irresistible crispy edges when you smash it
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Sprinkle this right onto the meat in the pan so it forms a salty crust
• ½ tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Distributes evenly unlike fresh garlic which can burn
• 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce: Provides that classic burger crunch and stays crisp longer than delicate greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved: Their sweetness balances the salty beef and tangy pickles
• ½ cup red onion thinly sliced: Soak in ice water for 10 minutes if you want them less sharp
• 1 cup dill pickles sliced: Bread and butter pickles work too if you prefer sweetness
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The residual heat from the beef melts it perfectly
• ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled: Optional but honestly why would you skip this
• ½ cup mayonnaise: Use real mayo not miracle whip for the sauce base
• 2 tbsp ketchup: Adds just enough sweetness and body
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard: Classic burger flavor that cuts through the richness
• 1 tbsp dill pickle relish: Chopped pickles work too if you hate relish texture
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient that makes people ask whats in this sauce
• 1 tsp white vinegar: Brightens everything and keeps the sauce from being too heavy
• 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped: Green onions work just as well and add that onion bite
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds: Toast them in a dry pan first for extra nuttiness

Instructions

Whisk together your smash sauce:

Combine the mayonnaise ketchup mustard relish smoked paprika vinegar and pepper in a small bowl. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Get your skillet ripping hot:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until a drop of water sizzles and disappears instantly. Divide the beef into four portions and place them on the hot surface.

Smash with conviction:

Press down firmly with your spatula until each portion is about half an inch thick. Season the top side with salt pepper and garlic powder.

Flip and break apart:

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply browned then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Break the beef into bite sized pieces as it finishes cooking.

Build your bowl foundation:

Divide the lettuce between four bowls and arrange tomatoes onions pickles and bacon on top in sections like a deconstructed burger.

Add the star:

Distribute the hot crispy beef evenly among the bowls and top with cheddar while its still hot enough to melt slightly.

Finish with flourish:

Drizzle that smash sauce generously over everything and sprinkle with chives and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the beef is still warm.

Save

My niece who refuses to eat salad under any circumstances called this a burger trick bowl and proceeded to eat two entire servings. Sometimes the presentation changes everything.

Making Ahead

The smash sauce keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week and actually tastes better after the flavors have time to develop. You can prep all the vegetables and store them in separate containers but assemble everything right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the beef warm.

Protein Swaps

Ground turkey works surprisingly well here though you might want to add a splash of olive oil since its leaner than beef. Plant based crumbles also absorb the seasoning beautifully and still get those crispy edges when smashed in a hot skillet.

Serving Ideas

Serve with roasted sweet potato wedges or a simple cucumber salad on the side for a complete meal that still feels light. The sauce also doubles as an incredible dip for pretty much anything.

• Toast some burger bun pieces in butter until golden and use them as croutons
• Offer extra pickles on the side because pickle people always want more
• Keep hot sauce available for guests who like to turn up the heat

Save

Hope this becomes your go to when the burger craving hits but the bun does not. Happy smashing.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes smash burger meat different from regular ground beef?

Smash burger technique involves pressing ground beef firmly onto a hot skillet, creating caramelized edges and maximum surface area for browning. This method produces crispy, flavorful beef with a texture that's superior to simply crumbling or forming patties.

→ Can I prepare the smash sauce in advance?

Absolutely. The homemade smash sauce develops better flavor when made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week in an airtight container, making meal prep even more convenient.

→ What protein alternatives work well in this bowl?

Ground turkey or chicken makes an excellent lighter substitute for beef. Plant-based ground meat alternatives also work perfectly. Season and cook using the same pressing technique for the best texture and flavor development.

→ How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?

Assemble bowls just before serving to maintain crispness. If meal prepping, store components separately in airtight containers—keep the cooked beef, sauce, and vegetables in separate containers, then combine when ready to eat.

→ What sides complement this bowl?

Sweet potato fries, crispy potato wedges, or a simple side salad round out the meal perfectly. For a lighter option, serve with cucumber slices or extra fresh vegetables. Burger bun croutons add an authentic touch.

→ Is this bowl gluten-free?

The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, always check condiment labels as some may contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free mustard and check that bacon and other processed items don't contain wheat-based additives.