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    Home » Grilling | Smoker

    Best Smash Burgers with Caramelized Onions

    Published: Jun 1, 2012 · Modified: Jun 28, 2023 by Jenna · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    A smash burger is a type of hamburger that is made by smashing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle or skillet, flattening it into a thin patty

    Smash burger with cheese and caramalized onions.

    My favorite type of burger is a smashed burger or thin burger. Whatever you like to call it. They fit on the bun nicely and the toppings are easy to put on and they STAY on.

    I’ve made plenty of bad burgers before in my life. The bun was way larger than the actual burger patty itself. The burger would shrivel up or shrink to a smaller size than what you had originally shaped it after it was cooked. I was fed up with it and I did my research and learned how to fix this mistake.  Smashed burgers or thin burgers will solve your burger patty to bun ratio. 

    If you love cooking on your Blackstone like I do try How to Cook Bacon on a Blackstone, Blackstone Pancakes (High Protein), or Blackstone Hibachi Chicken and Vegetables.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients List: 
    • How to Make the Best Smashed Burgers Ever        
    • Why are Blackstone griddles so great?
    • Burger Seasonings and Toppings
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
    • Cheddar Cheeseburgers with Caramelized Onions

    Ingredients List: 

    If you are wondering why I chose a certain ingredient or looking for substitution ideas check this area out! 

    Lean Ground Beef:  Lean ground beef is considered better than higher fat options for several reasons. First, it has less saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, it tends to have fewer calories per serving, making it a good option for those watching their weight. The 96% lean ground beef from Aldi is my favorite.

    Tomatoes:  Sliced tomatoes fit better on to burgers. The best tomatoes for a burger are beefsteak, Roma, and heirloom tomatoes.

    Green Leaf Lettuce:   Romaine or iceberg  

    Pickles:  Use whatever is your favorite. 

    Onions: Caramelized onions are the best on top of burgers in my opinion. Some people like theirs pickled or just thinly sliced. 

    Cheese Slices - American cheese is a classic on top of burgers

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    How to Make the Best Smashed Burgers Ever        

    Preheat your Blackstone griddle to high heat.

    On one side of the griddle add the olive oil, and let it heat for about a minute. Add the onions to the griddle, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use a spatula to toss the onions frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

    Onions on blackstone griddle.

    Continue cooking the onions on the griddle for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized to your liking.

    Cooked onions on a Blackstone grill.

    Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into balls. Season each ball with salt and pepper on both sides.Place a ball onto the griddle and smash it down with a spatula until it's about ¼ inch thick.

    Smashed burger with seasoning on a Blackstone griddle.

    Repeat with the remaining balls and leave them on the griddle for about 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown and the burgers release from the griddle.

    While the cheese is melting, butter the brioche buns and place them on the griddle until they are toasted.

    Assemble the burgers with the buns and your desired condiments.

    Why are Blackstone griddles so great?

    Blackstone griddles are popular among outdoor cooking enthusiasts because of their versatility and they are also transportable so you can take them camping or to the lake. Unlike traditional grills.

    Blackstone griddles have a flat cooking surface which allows for even heat distribution and the ability to cook a variety of foods at once. They also come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for both small and large gatherings. I have a 22 in Blackstone griddle.

    Additionally, Blackstone griddles are easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a great investment for those who love outdoor cooking. Overall, their durability, versatility, and ease of use make Blackstone griddles a great option for anyone looking to up their outdoor cooking game.

    Burger Seasonings and Toppings

    Recently, I’ve been using dry Italian Seasoning Mix (that comes in the packets to season my burgers with and I just love it! If you haven’t tried that before you must but here are some other seasonings that work well in a burger patty. Worcestershire sauce is always a classic burger patty ingredient. 

    • Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing
    • Italian Seasoning Mix or Ranch 
    • Sun Dried Tomatoes
    • Lemon Pepper Seasoning
    • Seasoning Salt of choice 
    • Fresh Herbs and Garlic 
    • Cajun Seasoning
    • Teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce
    • Pickled Red Onions
    Smashed Cheeseburgers with Caramelized Onions

    Recipe FAQs

    What is a smash burger?

    A smash burger is a type of hamburger that is made by smashing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle or skillet, flattening it into a thin patty. The origins of the smash burger can be traced back to the Midwest in the early 20th century, but it has gained popularity in recent years with the rise of fast-casual burger chains.

    How do I season a Blackstone?

    To season a Blackstone griddle, follow these steps:
    Clean the griddle with soap and water and dry it thoroughly. Use a water bottle to spread on the griddle. Do this on high heat. Clean off excess with paper towels.
    Apply a thin layer of oil all over the griddle surface. Use a spatula to spread the oil over the griddle.
    Turn off the heat and let the griddle cool down completely.
    Repeat steps 2-4 times.

    Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

    • 5 Ingredient Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
    • Keto Chaffle Recipe (3 Ways!)
    • Crock Pot Salsa Chicken (2 Ingredients)
    • Baked Blueberry Doughnuts

    If you tried this Blackstone Smashed Cheeseburgers or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries

    Print

    Cheddar Cheeseburgers with Caramelized Onions


    • Author: Jenna
    • Prep Time: 10 min
    • Cook Time: 5-10 min
    • Total Time: 30 to 40 min
    • Yield: 4 1x
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    My favorite type of burger is a smashed burger or thin burger. Whatever you like to call it. They fit on the bun nicely and the toppings are easy to put on and they STAY on. 


    Scale

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoons olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons butter 
    • 2 cups thinly sliced onions
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 pound lean ground beef, 93% lean
    • 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt

    • 2 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reduced fat) (about ½ cup) 
    • 4 pieces of leaf lettuce
    • 4 (1 ½-ounce) Lite hamburger buns, toasted

    Instructions

    1. Preheat your Blackstone griddle to high heat.
    2. On one side of the griddle add the olive oil and butter, and let it heat for about a minute.
    3. Add the onions to the griddle, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Use a spatula to toss the onions frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
    4. Continue cooking the onions on the griddle for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft and caramelized to your liking.
    5. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into balls.
    6. Season each ball with salt and pepper on both sides.
    7. Place a ball onto the griddle and smash it down with a spatula until it's about ¼ inch thick.
    8. Repeat with the remaining balls and leave them on the griddle for about 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown and the burgers release from the griddle.
    9. Flip each burger and add a slice of American cheese on top.
    10. Let the cheese melt for about 30 seconds.
    11. While the cheese is melting, butter the brioche buns and place them on the griddle until they are toasted.
    12. Assemble the burgers with the buns and your desired condiments.

    Notes

    myWW Points: 9 (all 3 plans)

    • Category: Medium
    • Method: Grill
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 burger

    Keywords: smashed burgers with caramelized onions

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    Hey, I'm Jenna! I'm a graphic designer, photographer, and home cook from From Fargo ND. My air fryer is my favorite kitchen appliance to cook with. I created this blog to share recipe tips and tricks with everyone, enjoy!

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