Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Juicy smashed beef patty layered with melty cheese and golden buttery bread for a savory handheld delight.

# What You'll Need:

→ Smashed Burger

01 - 7 oz ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1/4 tsp salt
03 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Grilled Cheese

04 - 4 slices sandwich bread (white or sourdough)
05 - 4 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Additions

07 - 4 slices dill pickle
08 - 2 tsp yellow mustard
09 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

# Step-by-step Directions:

01 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot.
02 - Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and loosely shape each into a ball.
03 - Place one beef ball on the hot skillet and smash it flat using a heavy spatula or burger press to about half an inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - Cook the patty for 2 minutes, then flip and immediately top with a slice of cheese. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
05 - Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
06 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on the skillet. Layer each slice with a cheese slice, a smashed burger patty, and optional pickles, onions, and mustard.
07 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
08 - Cook sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
09 - Remove sandwiches from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy edges from the smashed patty give texture you cant get from regular burgers
  • Its faster than cooking a full burger dinner but feels just as satisfying
  • The combination of melty cheese and beef hits every comfort food craving at once
02 -
  • Dont move the meat while smashing or you wont get those crispy edges
  • Let the sandwich rest 1 minute after cooking so the cheese sets slightly
  • Mediumhigh heat is key any lower and the bread dries out before the cheese melts
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet for the most even heat distribution
  • Toast the insides of the bread slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess
  • Let the ground beef come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking
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