Get ready for burgers that sizzle with personality! These smash burgers mix ground beef with finely diced onions and fresh jalapeños right in the patty for built-in flavor and moisture—no separate toppings needed (though you can pile on more). The smash technique creates ultra-crispy, lacy edges while keeping the inside juicy. Quick to make, big on taste, and perfect for backyard cookouts, game days, or weeknight cravings. One bite, and you’ll see why smash burgers are a game-changer!

Why These Burgers Rule:

• Flavor in every bite: Onions caramelize slightly, jalapeños add customizable heat.
• Perfect texture: Thin, crispy crust with juicy center from high-heat smash.
• Fast & fun: Ready in under 25 minutes, minimal ingredients.
• Customizable: Dial up/down spice, add cheese varieties, or load on toppings.
• Crowd-pleaser: Great for groups—easy to double or triple.

Servings: 4 smash burgers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 20–25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Smash Patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor and juiciness; avoid leaner mixes)
• ½ cup finely diced yellow onion (fresh is key—use a food processor for super fine dice if desired)
• 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and very finely minced (start with 1 for mild; leave some seeds for extra kick)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or cumin for deeper flavor

For Assembly:

• 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns for softness and golden toast)
• Butter or oil for toasting buns (optional but highly recommended)
• Cheese slices: cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or American (for classic melt)
• Favorite toppings: crisp lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, pickles, red onion rings, mayo, ketchup, mustard, or special sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the meat:
   In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, diced onion, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork—mix just until incorporated (overmixing = tough burgers). Divide into 4 equal portions and loosely roll each into a ball (about 4 oz each). Don’t flatten yet!
2. Heat the pan:
   Preheat a large cast-iron skillet, griddle, or heavy non-stick pan over medium-high to high heat until very hot (about 3–4 minutes; a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate instantly). No oil needed—the beef fat renders plenty.
3. Smash time!
   Place 1–2 beef balls in the hot pan (don’t overcrowd—work in batches). Immediately use a sturdy metal spatula (or burger press) to firmly smash each ball into a thin patty (about ¼–⅓ inch thick, 5–6 inches wide). Press down hard for 5–10 seconds to get maximum crust—hear that sizzle! Let cook undisturbed 2–3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy with lacy bits.
4. Flip and cheese:
   Scrape under the patty with the spatula (the crust should release easily) and flip. Cook another 2–3 minutes until the other side is browned and internal temp hits 160°F (for medium) or your preference. In the last minute, top each patty with a cheese slice to melt perfectly.
5. Toast the buns:
   While burgers finish, lightly butter the cut sides of the buns. Toast in the same pan (or a separate one) for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Assemble and devour:
   Spread your favorite condiments on the toasted buns. Stack the cheesy smash patty on the bottom bun, then pile on toppings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, extra raw onions, or jalapeño slices for more heat. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while hot and juicy!

Pro Tips for Smash Burger Mastery:

• Smash hard and fast—don’t move the patty until ready to flip for the best crust.
• Use a heavy spatula or burger press for even pressure.
• For double burgers: Smash two thin patties per bun and stack them.
• Jalapeño heat control: Seed fully for mild; leave seeds/ribs for fiery.
• Indoor tip: If no griddle, use two skillets or cook in batches.

Variations to Try:

• Extra spicy: Mix in diced pickled jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat.
• Bacon lover: Add crispy bacon strips under the cheese.
• Veggie twist: Grill sliced onions and jalapeños separately and top the burger.
• Sauce upgrade: Make a quick spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha + lime) for the bun.

These jalapeño-onion smash burgers are bold, juicy, and ridiculously addictive—crispy edges, spicy kick, and melty cheese in every bite. Fire up the skillet and enjoy! Who’s ready to smash? 🍔🌶️

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