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–+ servings

Easy Smash Burger Bowl

All the flavors of a classic smash burger packed into a fresh, hearty bowl with zero buns and maximum crunch in every single bite.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Smash Burger Patties:

  • 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 slices American cheese

For the Bowl Base:

  • 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup dill pickle slices
  • 1 cup cooked white rice or fries optional, for a heartier bowl

For the Smash Burger Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle juice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Make the sauce. Whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Prep the beef. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls (roughly 2 oz each). Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Smash and cook. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking. Place a beef ball on the hot surface and immediately smash it flat with a spatula or burger press. Cook for 2 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
  • Add cheese. Flip each patty, place a half slice of American cheese on top, and cook for another 30–60 seconds. Repeat with remaining patties.
  • Assemble the bowls. Layer shredded lettuce in each bowl. Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pickles. Stack 2 patties on top of each bowl.
  • Drizzle and serve. Finish with a generous drizzle of the smash burger sauce and serve immediately.
Servings: 4