Ingredients
For the Beef
- 500 g ground beef (80% meat, 20% fat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional but adds great flavor)
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices of thick bread (Texas toast, brioche, or artisan loaf)
- 8–12 slices of cheese (American, cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or a mix)
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Butter (softened, for spreading on bread)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
- Pickles (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- Caramelized onions
- Mushrooms sautéed in butter
- Jalapeños for heat
- A drizzle of burger sauce
How to Make This Melted Smash Burger Grilled Sandwich
1. Season and Prepare the Beef
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Do not overmix—just fold gently. Overworking the beef makes it tough. Divide the beef into 4–6 loose balls. The goal is a loose pack so that the meat smashes easily and crisps beautifully.
2. Smash and Cook the Beef
Heat a cast-iron pan or heavy skillet over high heat. Once very hot, place a beef ball on the pan and immediately smash it down using a spatula or burger press.
The meat should sizzle loudly—this creates the crispy “smash burger crust.”
Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until browned and caramelized. Flip, and cook the other side for about 1 minute. Remove and repeat for all beef patties.
You want the meat cooked but still juicy.
3. Prepare the Bread
Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. For extra crispiness, mix the butter with 1 spoon of mayo. Mayo browns beautifully and adds flavor.
Lay the slices on a flat board, buttered side down.
4. Build the Sandwich
On each piece of bread, layer:
- A slice of cheese
- A spoonful of cooked beef
- Thinly sliced red onion (optional but delicious)
- Another slice of cheese
- Second bread slice on top, buttered side out
Using two cheeses creates the gooey melting effect you see in the photo.
5. Grill the Sandwich
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and press gently. Cook until the bread turns golden and crisp. Flip carefully and grill the other side until the cheese melts completely.
Low heat is key—this gives the cheese time to melt without burning the bread.
6. Melt, Press, and Serve
Once both sides are perfectly toasted and the cheese is oozing, remove from the pan. Let it rest for 1 minute before slicing. This rest time keeps the sandwich from falling apart.
Cut diagonally for the classic grilled sandwich look.