Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy burger, especially when it’s topped with a delicious secret sauce. This Juicy Smashed Patty Burger recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. The combination of the perfectly seasoned beef patty and the tangy, creamy sauce makes for a burger that rivals any restaurant. My family loves how easy it is to make, and they can’t get enough of the satisfying crunch of the smashed patty. Whether it’s a weekend BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, these burgers never fail to impress. Let me walk you through this mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients

For the Patty:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for ideal 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

For Assembling the Burger:

• 4 burger buns, toasted
• Fresh lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Thinly sliced onions
• Pickle slices

Instructions

Prepare the Secret Sauce:

1. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Stir until well combined and smooth. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Form and Cook the Patties:

1. Heat a skillet over high heat until it’s sizzling hot. This is crucial for achieving that beautiful crust on your patties.
2. Divide the ground beef into four equal-sized balls (about 4 ounces each). Season each ball generously with salt and pepper.
3. Place each ball onto the hot skillet. Using a spatula or a burger press, smash each ball down into a thin patty. The goal is to get a nice crispy edge, so don’t be shy!
4. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip the patty and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. You’ll know they’re ready when a crispy crust forms and they’re cooked to your desired doneness.

Assemble the Burgers:

1. Spread a generous amount of the secret sauce on the bottom half of each toasted burger bun.
2. Layer on fresh lettuce leaves and a slice of tomato.
3. Add the hot smashed patty on top, followed by thinly sliced onions and pickles.
4. Finish with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 32g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Total Time: 21 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the burgers immediately after assembling to enjoy them at their juiciest.
• Pair with your favorite sides such as:
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Grilled corn on the cob

Additional Tips

1. Choose the Right Meat: An 80/20 blend of ground beef provides the best flavor and juiciness. Avoid leaner blends to prevent dry burgers.
2. Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the ground beef as little as possible when forming patties to keep them tender.
3. Use a Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the patties to ensure a crispy crust.
4. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your burger with additional toppings like avocado, bacon, or different cheeses.
5. Make Extra Sauce: The secret sauce is so good you might want to double the recipe for dipping fries!

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Smashed Burger: Add chopped jalapeños to the secret sauce for a kick.
• BBQ Burger: Substitute some of the mayonnaise with BBQ sauce in the secret sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Cheesy Burger: Add a slice of your favorite cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack) on top of the patty during the last minute of cooking, covering with a lid to melt.
• Veggie Burger: Substitute the beef patty with a black bean or lentil patty for a vegetarian option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of homemade potato salad for a classic summer meal.
• Pair with a refreshing beverage like lemonade or iced tea.
• For a heartier meal, add a side of baked beans.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cooked patties freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

• Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, but the texture and flavor will be different. Consider adding more seasoning to compensate.

1. What’s the best way to smash the patties?

• A sturdy spatula or a burger press works best. Press down firmly to get a nice, even patty.

1. How can I make the sauce lighter?

• You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.

1. What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

• You can substitute it with regular paprika or omit it altogether. The sauce will still taste great!

1. How do I know when the burger is done?

• Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

• Yes, the secret sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

1. What should I do if my patties are falling apart?

• Make sure to use enough fat in your ground beef (like 80/20). Also, avoid overhandling the meat.

1. How do I keep my burger buns from getting soggy?

• Toasting the buns adds a barrier that helps prevent sogginess.

1. Can I add bacon to this burger?

• Absolutely! Cook the bacon until crispy and layer it on top of the patty for extra flavor.

1. What should I serve with these burgers?

• Classic sides include fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

This Juicy Smashed Patty Burger with Secret Sauce is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. The combination of the crispy patty and the flavorful secret sauce creates a burger that’s juicy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re having a casual get-together or just craving a delicious meal, this recipe will surely hit the spot. Enjoy your burger night!

Print