Description
This Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce recipe delivers a flavorful and tender burger experience. Combining an 80/20 ground beef blend for optimal juiciness with a perfectly balanced secret sauce, it offers a classic American taste enhanced with smoked paprika and tangy pickles. Toasted buns, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles complete this crowd-pleasing sandwich ideal for quick weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Secret Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
To Assemble
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Sliced onions
- Pickles
Instructions
- Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Form and Season Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Without overworking the meat, gently form each into a loose ball. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s well-heated to achieve a perfect sear.
- Smashed Patty Cooking: Place each beef ball onto the hot skillet and immediately smash it down with a sturdy spatula or press to a thin patty. Cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving to get a good crust.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip each patty and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until cooked through but still juicy.
- Toast the Buns: While patties cook, toast burger buns either on a separate pan, grill, or in a toaster until golden brown.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of secret sauce on the bottom bun. Add lettuce leaves, a smashed patty, tomato slices, sliced onions, and pickles. Top with the bun’s top half.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the burgers hot with your favorite sides or fries for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- The 80/20 beef blend is key for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties to keep them tender.
- Smashed patties cook quickly—avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- Feel free to customize toppings to your preference.
- The secret sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
