Target: 6 × 4 inches · landscape

Beef and Onion Smash Burgers

35 min · 4 burgers

Ingredients

□ 1 1/2 lb 80/20 ground beef

□ 3 medium yellow onions (about 1 lb total), peeled

□ 1 tsp kosher salt

□ 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

□ 4 soft hamburger buns

□ 2 tbsp yellow mustard

□ 16 dill pickle chips

1. Shave onions paper-thin into four piles. Divide beef into four loose balls; do not pack.

2. Set out split buns, mustard, and pickles. Heat cast iron over high until very hot with a faint wisp.

3. Top beef balls with onion, smash thin, and season. Leave untouched until the edges are deeply browned and lacy.

4. Scrape under the crust, flip, and cook to 160 F. Cap patties with bun tops and cover briefly to steam.

5. Spread bun tops with mustard, add pickle chips, close, and serve right away.

Cook’s note: Do not press again after smashing; the undisturbed first side develops the crisp onion lace.