Description

A quick and customizable weeknight meal that deconstructs the classic smash burger into a bowl format, featuring crispy beef patties, melted cheese, and tangy toppings over a fluffy rice or greens base.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
4 oz ground beef per patty (divided into 4 balls)
4 slices Cheddar or American cheese
1 cup Jasmine rice (cooked) or mixed greens
1/2 cup pickle chips
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice
1 pinch garlic powder
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 knob butter or splash of oil

Instructions

Prepare the base by cooking rice according to package instructions or washing and drying greens.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and garlic powder to make the sauce. Set aside.
Thinly slice the red onion and have cheese slices ready.
Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add butter or oil.
Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls (about 4 oz each).
Place one beef ball in the hot pan and immediately press down firmly with a spatula to create a thin, even patty.
Season the smashed patties generously with salt and black pepper. Do not move them.
Sear the patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
Place a slice of cheese on each patty, then flip carefully. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted.
Spoon rice or greens into bowls, top with smashed cheeseburgers, pickles, and red onion.
Drizzle with special sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the pan is screaming hot before adding beef to get crispy edges. Do not overcrowd the pan. Season the beef after smashing, not before. For a low-carb option, substitute rice with cauliflower rice or mixed greens. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and mayo-free sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl per person
Calories: 650
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 800
Fat: 45
Saturated Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35

Keywords: smash burger bowl, easy dinner, weeknight meals, ground beef recipes, cast iron cooking, meal prep, comfort food