Oklahoma-Style Smash Burgers🍖 Main
Our top choice for smash burgers takes inspiration from Oklahoma's onion burger tradition by incorporating a generous portion of finely sliced onions directly onto the meat before pressing it flat.
By Sarah Chen, Home Cook Enthusiast
Shared by the Home Cook Assistant community ยท Reviewed for clarity
There is a quiet confidence to a dish like oklahoma-style smash burgers that comes from knowing every element has a purpose. This is not just another variation on a familiar idea. It is a well balanced plate where 1 3/4 lb ground chuck, 80/20 or 85/15, 1 tbsp avocado oil or vegetable oil come together in a way that feels both comforting and intentional, the kind of meal that makes a regular weeknight feel a little more cared for. Whether you are cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to something made with attention, this recipe rewards you with layers of flavor that belie how approachable it really is.
You will want to pay attention to two small details that make a big difference here. First, Read through the steps once before you start and have everything measured and within reach. A calm setup prevents the rushed mistakes that happen when you are chopping while something is already in the pan. Second, Season in layers rather than all at once. A pinch when you add the aromatics, another when the main ingredients go in, and a final adjustment at the end builds depth that one big addition at the start cannot match. These are not fussy chef tricks. They are the practical habits that separate a good version of this dish from a great one, and once you do them a few times they become second nature.
Pair it with a simple side that soaks up the extra sauce. Crusty bread, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles all work, and a crisp green salad on the side keeps the plate balanced without adding work. If this is your first time with oklahoma-style smash burgers, our top choice for smash burgers takes inspiration from oklahoma's onion burger tradition by incorporating a generous po that the process is forgiving and the results are consistently satisfying. It is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation, not because it is complicated, but because it is reliably delicious and adaptable to what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lb ground chuck, 80/20 or 85/15
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or vegetable oil
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced very thin
- 8 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
- 8 hamburger buns like soft potato buns or Hawaiian-style buns
- homemade burger sauce, to taste
Nutrition (Per 4 servings)*
* AI-estimated values only โ not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.
Instructions
- Preheat a griddle or wide steel or cast iron pan over medium heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 3.5 ounce (100g) portions and form into balls.
- Place a small drop of oil in each spot where you will put a burger ball, saving room to smash it out so that the patties aren't touching. Place a ball of beef in each spot of oil. Season with salt and pepper (it's okay to get some seasoning all over the pan).
- Add a heap of thinly sliced onions to the top of each burger ball, and then use a stiff spatula or burger press to smash them down to about 1/4-inch thick (or slightly wider than your burger bun). Cook the smashed burgers for 1 to 2 minutes or until the underside is crispy and browned.
- Carefully scrape under each patty to release it (it might stick a bit), and flip it so the onion side is down. Lightly season and place a slice of cheese on each patty.
- Once the patties are cooked, transfer them to a baking sheet or plate. If making doubles, stack them in pairs.
- Toast the buns where the patties were, soaking some of the drippings.
- Place the burgers onto the toasted buns, add as much sauce as you like, and add any toppings you love (if you have some leftover, the thinly sliced raw onions are great).
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