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Perfect Dad’s Smash Burgers Recipe with Easy Caramelized Onion Sauce

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These smash burgers feature a crispy, caramelized crust with juicy insides, topped with a rich and tangy caramelized onion special sauce. Perfect for quick, flavorful casual dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Cheddar cheese slices (optional)
  • Soft burger buns, lightly toasted
  • Butter, for toasting buns (unsalted, room temperature)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Leafy lettuce (like butter or romaine)
  • Tomato slices
  • Dill pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a tablespoon of oil or butter. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and sweetly fragrant. If they start to burn, lower the heat and add a splash of water. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Make the special sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooled caramelized onions until well mixed. Refrigerate while you prepare the burgers to let flavors meld.
  3. Form the burger balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently roll each into a loose ball—don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.
  4. Heat the skillet: Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3-5 minutes). You want it to sizzle when the meat hits the pan.
  5. Smash the patties: Place one meat ball in the skillet. Using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten it into a thin patty (about 1/4-inch thick). Hold for 10 seconds to set the shape. Repeat with remaining balls, cooking 2 at a time if your pan is smaller.
  6. Season and cook: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the patties right after smashing. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them, until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip carefully.
  7. Add cheese and finish cooking: Immediately place a cheddar slice on each patty after flipping. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and the burger is cooked through but still juicy.
  8. Toast the buns: While burgers cook, spread butter on the cut sides of buns and toast them in a separate pan or under a broiler until golden and crisp.
  9. Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion special sauce on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, and pickles, then the burger patty. Top with the other bun half.
  10. Serve immediately: Smash burgers are best enjoyed hot off the skillet with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not press down on the patties after flipping to keep them juicy. Ensure skillet is very hot before smashing to get a crispy crust. Keep a damp paper towel handy to wipe excess grease between batches. The special sauce tastes better after resting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Use 80/20 ground beef for best juiciness and crust formation. Toast buns last minute to keep them warm and crisp. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, caramelized onion sauce, easy burger recipe, quick dinner, backyard cookout, family meal, burger recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/perfect-dads-smash-burgers-recipe-with-easy-caramelized-onion-sauce/