Description
Ina Garten’s smashed hamburgers combine classic American grilling with irresistible caramelized onions. Juicy beef patties and golden onions create a mouthwatering sandwich that brings comfort and flavor to your backyard cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.25 pounds (570 grams) ground beef with 20% fat
Cheese and Bread:
- 1.25 cups (115 grams) grated Gruyère cheese
- 4 sandwich potato rolls, such as Martin’s
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cups (1 liter) sliced red onions (2 medium)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons dry mustard powder (e.g., Colman’s)
- Canola or grapeseed oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Ketchup, for serving
Instructions
- Transform sliced onions into a rich, golden delicacy by heating oil in a spacious 12-inch (30.5 centimeters) sauté pan over medium temperature. Gently stir the onions every few minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a deep, caramel-like color over 18-20 minutes.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar into the onion mixture, then reduce heat to low. Continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently until onions achieve a deep mahogany hue. Deglaze the pan with vinegar, scraping up any flavorful browned bits.
- Create a flavor-enhancing seasoning blend by mixing dry mustard, 1½ teaspoons (7.5 grams) salt, and ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Gently massage the spice mixture into ground beef, forming four uniform patties approximately 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) thick.
- Temporarily chill the seasoned patties in the freezer for precisely 15 minutes to help maintain their structural integrity during cooking.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, adding 1½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) oil. Carefully transfer frozen patties directly into the hot pan, using a metal spatula to press firmly and create a crisp exterior.
- Allow burgers to develop a robust crust for 2½ to 3 minutes without disturbing them. Carefully flip the patties, immediately topping each with the caramelized onions and sprinkling Gruyère cheese.
- Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 1½ to 2 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the meat reaches a perfect medium-rare consistency.
- Transfer each burger onto prepared rolls, serving immediately with ketchup alongside for additional flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Create restaurant-style burger magic by searing patties in a cast-iron skillet, which delivers unbeatable crispy exteriors and lock-in juicy interiors.
- Handle ground beef with a delicate touch when mixing seasonings, preventing tough burger textures by avoiding excessive manipulation.
- Quick-freeze burger patties for precisely 15 minutes before cooking, guaranteeing optimal shape retention and superior meat consistency.
- Apply gentle, consistent pressure while cooking burgers to develop a gorgeous caramelized crust that elevates the entire eating experience.
- Melt cheese like a pro by covering the skillet, ensuring your Gruyère transforms into a luxurious, gooey blanket that enhances every delicious bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 434
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 621mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg