Smashed Burger Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A juicy smashed beef patty paired with melted cheese and buttery toasted bread.

# Components:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot.
02 - Divide the ground beef into two equal balls, shaping loosely.
03 - Place a beef ball on the skillet and press flat with a heavy spatula until about 1/2 inch thick; season with salt and pepper.
04 - Cook patties 2 minutes, flip, top each with a cheese slice, and cook 1–2 more minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through. Remove and set aside.
05 - Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, buttered side down, onto the skillet.
06 - Layer each bread slice on the skillet with cheese slice, smashed patty, and optional pickles, onions, and mustard as desired.
07 - Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
08 - Grill sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
09 - Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, slice, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 30 minutes, which means you can satisfy a serious craving without planning ahead.
  • The smashed patty gives you that crispy, flavorful edge that thick burgers just don't deliver.
  • Melted cheese on both the burger and the bread creates pockets of richness in every bite.
02 -
  • Don't press the beef while it's cooking; you'll squeeze out the juices and end up with a hockey puck instead of a juicy patty.
  • The pan temperature makes or breaks this dish—if you're getting pale, soft bread instead of a golden crust, your heat isn't high enough.
03 -
  • Have all your ingredients prepped and within arm's reach before you start cooking—this comes together fast, and you don't want to be scrambling for pickles mid-cook.
  • If you're making two sandwiches, cook both patties at once but assemble and grill them one at a time so each one gets your full attention.
Return