Get ready to experience burger perfection with this Flavorful Garlicky Onion Smash Burger that delivers maximum taste in every single bite. The magic happens when you smash seasoned ground beef onto a screaming hot griddle or cast iron pan, creating incredible crispy edges while keeping the center juicy and tender. What sets this burger apart is the generous layer of caramelized onions infused with roasted garlic that gets pressed right into the meat as it cooks. The result is a burger with deep, savory flavors and amazing texture contrasts – crispy, caramelized edges meet soft, flavorful onions and perfectly melted cheese. This technique creates more surface area for browning, which means more flavor than traditional thick burgers, and the whole thing comes together in just minutes on the stovetop.
Serves: 4 people (makes 4 burgers)
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced very thin
- 6 cloves garlic, minced fine
- 4 hamburger buns, split
- 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles for serving
- Your favorite burger sauce or condiments
Getting Everything Ready
Remove the ground beef from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking so it comes to room temperature. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions, but don’t shape them into patties yet – just form loose balls and set them aside. Slice your onions as thin as possible using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. The thinner they are, the better they’ll caramelize and integrate with the burger. Mince the garlic very fine so it distributes evenly throughout the onions.
Creating the Garlicky Onion Base
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat them with oil. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they become golden brown and very soft. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic and stir constantly to prevent burning. The onions should be deeply caramelized and smell amazing. Transfer the onion mixture to a bowl and set aside. Don’t clean the pan – those browned bits will add even more flavor to your burgers.
The Smash Technique
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. While the pan heats up, season your beef portions with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place one ball of seasoned beef in the hot pan and immediately press it down firmly with a large spatula or burger press. You want to smash it until it’s quite thin – about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry if the edges look raggedy; those irregular edges will get extra crispy and delicious.
Building the Flavor Layers
While the first side cooks for about 2-3 minutes, take a quarter of your caramelized onion mixture and spread it evenly on top of the raw side of the burger. Press the onions gently into the meat so they stick. When the bottom develops a beautiful golden-brown crust with crispy edges, carefully flip the burger using a thin spatula. The onions should now be in direct contact with the hot pan, where they’ll get even more caramelized flavor.
Finishing with Cheese
Cook the flipped burger for another 2 minutes, then place a slice of cheese on top. The cheese will start melting from the heat of the burger and pan. Cover the pan with a lid for about 30 seconds to help the cheese melt completely. Repeat this entire process with the remaining three burgers, working one at a time to ensure each gets the proper attention and heat level.
Preparing the Perfect Bun
While your last burger finishes cooking, heat the butter in a clean pan over medium heat. Place the hamburger buns cut-side down in the butter and toast them until they’re golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial because toasted buns hold up much better to the juicy burger and won’t get soggy. The buttery, crispy surface also adds another layer of flavor and texture.
Assembly and Serving
Place each finished burger on the bottom half of a toasted bun. The caramelized onions should be beautifully browned and slightly crispy from their time against the hot pan. Top with your choice of fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, pickles, and any other condiments you love. Add the top bun and serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is still melty.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
The key to a great smash burger is high heat and not moving the patty around once you place it in the pan. Let it develop that crucial crust before flipping. Don’t press down on the burger after flipping – you’ll just squeeze out the delicious juices. If you want to make multiple burgers at once, use a large griddle or two pans simultaneously. These burgers are best eaten immediately while hot, as the contrast between the crispy edges and melted cheese is at its peak right off the stove.
