The United States is flush with quirky regional burgers, from the pastrami-topped burgers of Utah to the butter burgers of Wisconsin. Our favorite is the Midwestern smashed burger, which involves using a spatula to thwack a ball of ground beef into a thin patty while it cooks in a cast-iron skillet. This style of burger maximizes crust development and helps the beef retain a ton of juiciness.
Plus, because you only need a cast-iron skillet and a spatula, you can make these burgers year-round, without having to lug out your grill every time you’re in the mood for a burger.
Nutrition: 340 calories, 15 g fat (5 g saturated), 580 mg sodium
Serves
You’ll Need
1⁄2 Tbsp canola oil, plus more for the burgers
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
2 cups sliced white or cremini mushrooms
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lb ground sirloin
4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese
4 potato buns, split and lightly toasted
4 Tbsp A.1. Steak Sauce
How to Make It
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until the mushrooms and onions are browned and caramelized.
- Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
- Heat a light film of oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Form the sirloin into four loosely packed 1-inch balls, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Season all over with salt and a bit of black pepper.
- Add to the pan and cook for a minute or two, then place a spatula on top of each patty and press down to flatten the meat into a burger about 1⁄3″ thick.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, until a nice crust develops.
- Flip, using the spatula to scrape the burger free if necessary.
- Top with cheese and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, until the meat is cooked through.
- Place the burgers on the toasted buns, then top with the mushrooms and onions. Finish by drizzling a tablespoon of A.1. on each.
