Crispy Dad’s Cast-Iron Smash Burger Recipe Perfect for Easy Homemade American Cheese Burgers
A quick and easy smash burger recipe using a cast iron skillet to achieve a crispy crust and juicy interior, topped with melty American cheese. Perfect for casual gatherings and nostalgic comfort food lovers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 3 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2–3 slices American cheese
- Burger buns (potato rolls or brioche recommended)
- Salt and pepper (kosher salt preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or high-smoke point oil
- Butter (for toasting buns)
- Optional toppings: thinly sliced onions, dill pickle slices, shredded lettuce, tomato slices
Instructions
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until hot enough to sizzle.
- Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 3 equal balls (~5 oz or 140g each), keeping the meat loose.
- Lightly oil the skillet with about 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
- Place one beef ball in the skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula until about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds.
- Season the exposed side of the patty generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the first side undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges brown and crisp.
- Flip the patty carefully using a spatula, season the new side with salt and pepper.
- Place 1 slice of American cheese on the patty and cover the skillet with a lid or foil to melt the cheese for 1-2 minutes.
- While cheese melts, butter the buns lightly and toast cut-side down in the same skillet until golden and crisp, about 1 minute.
- Remove patties and buns from skillet, assemble burgers with desired toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use cold ground beef and do not overwork the meat to keep patties juicy. Press firmly and quickly to maximize browning. Flip only once and avoid pressing down after flipping to retain juices. Use a lid to melt cheese evenly. Toast buns in the same pan for added flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute American cheese with vegan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with cheese
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: smash burger, cast iron skillet, American cheese burger, crispy burger, easy burger recipe, homemade burger