Smash Burger Bowl (Printable)
All the flavors of a classic smash burger—crispy beef, tangy pickles, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce—served over mixed greens for a satisfying low-carb meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Patties
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
02 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Vegetables & Greens
04 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, spinach)
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 cup dill pickles, sliced
08 - 1 avocado, sliced
→ Toppings
09 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (optional)
→ Smash Sauce
11 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tbsp ketchup
13 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
14 - 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
15 - 1 tsp white vinegar
16 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
17 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Step-by-step:
01 - Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Set aside at room temperature.
02 - Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and allow it to become thoroughly hot, approximately 3–5 minutes. The surface should be smoking slightly for optimal searing.
03 - Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a loose ball. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
04 - Place beef balls onto the hot skillet. Using a heavy, flat spatula, press each ball down firmly until flattened into thin patties. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy. Flip patties and cook an additional 1–2 minutes for medium doneness. Remove from heat.
05 - Distribute mixed salad greens evenly among four serving bowls. Arrange cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, dill pickles, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese over the greens in sections.
06 - Place two crispy smashed patties on top of each salad bowl, breaking them into bite-sized pieces if desired.
07 - Drizzle each bowl generously with the prepared smash sauce. Sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top if using. Serve immediately while patties are still warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get that irresistible crispy beef edge in every single bite, no flipping required
- The sauce hits all the right notes and keeps everything together beautifully
- Its the perfect answer when you want burger night but need something lighter
02 -
- Resist the urge to move the beef around while it sears, that crust only forms when you leave it alone
- A heavy spatula is your best friend here, you need something sturdy to really smash the beef down
- The sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to a week, it actually gets better with time
03 -
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat better and creates the best crust
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels before seasoning, excess moisture prevents proper searing