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• My Smash Burger Recipe Is Juicy & Crispy In The Best Way
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Smash Burgers
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• Smash Burger Recipe Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

My Smash Burger Recipe Is Juicy & Crispy In The Best Way

I already have a go-to burger recipe — seriously, it’s so juicy — but sometimes I’m just craving those crispy edges you only get from a thin patty. That’s where this smash burger recipe comes in! Here’s why it’s awesome:

• Crispy, juicy, flavorful – These have those salty, crispy edges that are the whole reason I love them, without compromising on a juicy center. And while most smash burger recipes just season the meat throughout, mine has a two-part seasoning process that makes the texture and flavor 100X better.
• So, so fast – Smashed burgers cook in just a few minutes on the stovetop, so they’re perfect for busy nights when I need a quick and easy dinner … or when it’s too cold (or too much work) to grill.
• Super simple ingredients – You only need ground beef, a few pantry staples, and a hot skillet.

Grab your skillet and make these smash burgers with me! They’re quick, crispy, and even better than my favorite burger joint.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my best smash burger recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Ground beef – I like using ground chuck for smash burgers because the higher fat content gives you that juicy, crispy result, but leaner 85/15 or even 90/10 can still work. You can even use ground turkey if you want, but you won’t get the same sear or juicy factor.
• Worcestershire Sauce – For a slightly sweet, slightly umami boost that brings out the flavor of the beef. I think coconut aminos makes a decent stand-in if you need one.
• Olive Oil – I mix a little oil into the patties to keep them juicy, and you’ll need more for searing. Avocado oil works just as well.
• Spices – I kept it simple with garlic powder , sea salt, and black pepper, but feel free to make these your own. Smoked paprika, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne would all be great additions.
• Cheese Slices – I went with cheddar cheese for that classic cheeseburger vibe. Feel free to use any kind you like, or skip it for a dairy-free option.

VARIATION: Make a loaded smash burger!

Top your patties with crispy bacon , caramelized onions , and/or sautéed mushrooms after you flip them! I’ve done all three at once and it’s seriously next-level. Just be sure to add the toppings while the burgers are still hot so everything melts together perfectly.

How To Make Smash Burgers

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, a little olive oil, and garlic powder. Mix just until combined..
2. Form balls and season. Place the balls on a plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then roll them around so they pick up all that seasoning.

1. Cover the plate and pop it in the fridge. The helps the flavors set, and letting the patties get cold helps them sear properly when smashing later.
2. Smash and sear. Heat the oil in a hot skillet , add the burger patties one at a time, and smash each one thin. Let them cook without moving, so the edges get that signature crispy sear. Flip carefully, add cheese if you want, and cook until done. This smash burger recipe cooks fast, so don’t walk away!

My Recipe Tips

• For the best texture, season the outside of the burgers with salt and pepper instead of mixing it into the meat. It creates a better crust and keeps the inside tender.
• Be careful not to overmix. Mixing the meat too much causes the fat to melt, which will make your smash burgers tough instead of juicy.
• The meat must be cold before cooking — this is different from other burger recipes! If you’re short on time, you can place the burger balls into the freezer for 10-15 minutes instead of refrigerating for 30+.
• I use this cast iron pan because it holds heat super well, which helps you get that deep, crispy sear. A cast iron griddle works too if you want to cook more burgers at once without crowding the pan.
• Make sure your pan is very hot before adding the burgers. They’ll sear better. You can tell the pan is hot because the oil will slide around easily. I also add a drop of water to the pan – if it sizzles a lot, it’s ready to go.
• Make sure to smash burgers thin enough, about 1/4 inch thick . I like to use a large metal spatula for this (even though it’s not in the pictures), so I can smash the burgers in one go, but a burger press is a classic choice for this. You can also use a small heat-safe plate, mini cast iron skillet , or ramekin.
• Don’t move the burgers around. This allows them to brown nicely and get a good sear on the outside.
• After that first smash, don’t push down on the burgers. This includes after you flip! The situation is different when you first smash them as the meat is still cold, but later on, pushing will just squeeze out all the juices.

Serving Ideas

Once your smash burger recipe is ready, all that’s left is to load them up and pick your favorite sides:

• Toppings – I love my smash burgers with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and avocado oil mayonnaise . I served them on homemade GF hamburger buns above — any kind you enjoy are great, but I do recommend that you toast them. You could also add red onion, ketchup , or even try my spicy burger sauce (a.k.a. spicy mayo) for a kick.
• Sides – You can’t go wrong with crispy air fryer fries or sweet potato fries — they’re classics for a reason. For something lighter, my zucchini fries (or even some quick fried zucchini ) make a great swap.
• Salads – For something fresh, I pair this smash burger recipe with cucumber tomato avocado salad or Greek salad . They balance out the richness of the burger without stealing the spotlight!

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 lb Ground beef ▢
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 4 slices Cheddar cheese (optional) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and garlic powder. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 balls and place on a large plate. Season with salt and pepper, then roll the balls around to coat the sides in any salt and pepper that landed on the plate.
3. Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes , or up to 24 hours.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until very hot. Place a ball onto the pan and immediately smash down with a large metal spatula , to about 1/4 inch thickness. Repeat with the other burgers.
5. Cook the smash burgers for 3-4 minutes , until the edges near the bottom of the pan form a dark brown crust.
6. Slide the spatula under each burger and flip. Top each burger with cheese, if you like. Cook the smash burgers for 1-2 more minutes , or until done to your liking.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 smash burger

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get a perfect sear, keep the burgers juicy, and avoid common mistakes that lead to dry or tough patties.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
• Meal prep: Feel free to season and form the patties 1-2 days ahead.
• Reheat: Warm the patties in a hot skillet for a few minutes to bring back that crispy edge, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry (they’ll be softer).
• Freeze: Freeze the raw burger balls or cooked patties between pieces of parchment paper in a zip lock bag — just thaw in the fridge before cooking or reheating. They’ll keep in the freezer for at least 6 months.
• Note on nutrition info: The optional cheese is not included.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Smash Burger Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Smash Burger Recipe

My smash burger recipe has super crispy edges, a juicy inside, and so much flavor. It’s easy to make and tastes like your favorite diner!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/smash-burgers/

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 4 slices Cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and garlic powder. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 balls and place on a large plate. Season with salt and pepper, then roll the balls around to coat the sides in any salt and pepper that landed on the plate.
3. Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes , or up to 24 hours.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until very hot. Place a ball onto the pan and immediately smash down with a large metal spatula , to about 1/4 inch thickness. Repeat with the other burgers.
5. Cook the smash burgers for 3-4 minutes , until the edges near the bottom of the pan form a dark brown crust.
6. Slide the spatula under each burger and flip. Top each burger with cheese, if you like. Cook the smash burgers for 1-2 more minutes , or until done to your liking.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 smash burger

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get a perfect sear, keep the burgers juicy, and avoid common mistakes that lead to dry or tough patties.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
• Meal prep: Feel free to season and form the patties 1-2 days ahead.
• Reheat: Warm the patties in a hot skillet for a few minutes to bring back that crispy edge, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry (they’ll be softer).
• Freeze: Freeze the raw burger balls or cooked patties between pieces of parchment paper in a zip lock bag — just thaw in the fridge before cooking or reheating. They’ll keep in the freezer for at least 6 months.
• Note on nutrition info: The optional cheese is not included.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)