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Smash Burger Bowl with crispy seared ground beef caramelized onions pickles shredded cheese lettuce tomatoes and special sauce in a hearty deconstructed burger bowl

Smash Burger Bowl

Crispy smashed ground beef patties served over shredded lettuce with pickles, tomatoes, cheddar, and a tangy homemade burger sauce. All the flavor of a smash burger without the bun.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef, 80/20
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil or butter
  • 4 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
  • 1/4 cup finely diced white onion
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise burger sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup burger sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard burger sauce
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle brine burger sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder burger sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika burger sauce

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Burger Press or Heavy Spatula
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Mix all burger sauce ingredients and refrigerate while prepping toppings.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
  3. Smash beef balls flat immediately in the pan and season the top surface.
  4. Cook 2 minutes undisturbed, flip, add cheese, and cover briefly to melt.
  5. Build bowls with lettuce, toppings, beef, and a generous drizzle of sauce.

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet for the best crust.
  • Do not crowd the pan, cook in batches.
  • Season after smashing, not before.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.