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Savory Blackstone Smash Burgers Recipe with Sweet Caramelized Onions Made Easy

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This recipe delivers juicy smash burgers with a crispy crust paired perfectly with sweet caramelized onions, made easy on a Blackstone griddle or similar cooking surface.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend), fresh and cold
  • 2 medium sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla), thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning patties
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or pepper jack)
  • 4 sturdy, soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Optional toppings: pickles, lettuce, tomato, mustard, ketchup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small pan or on one side of the Blackstone over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced sweet onions, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Avoid burning by keeping heat low.
  2. Form the beef balls: Divide 1 pound of cold ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Roll lightly into balls without overworking the meat.
  3. Preheat the Blackstone: Turn the griddle to high heat and brush surface lightly with vegetable oil. Wait until hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately.
  4. Smash the patties: Place each beef ball on the griddle spaced apart. Using a metal spatula, press down firmly to create a thin patty about ¼ inch thick. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds to develop crust. Avoid lifting spatula too soon.
  5. Season and cook: Sprinkle salt and black pepper on the exposed side. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes without moving to form crust. Flip carefully, add a slice of cheese on top, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked through but juicy.
  6. Toast the buns: While patties finish, slice buns and lightly butter them. Toast face down on a cooler part of the griddle until golden and slightly crispy.
  7. Assemble the burgers: Place cheese-topped patty on bottom bun, layer generously with caramelized onions, add optional toppings, and cap with top bun.
  8. Serve immediately: Enjoy hot off the griddle with crispy crust and warm onions.

Notes

Use cold ground beef for best searing and juiciness. Smash patties once firmly; avoid pressing repeatedly to retain juices. Cook onions low and slow to avoid burning. If patties stick, wait longer before flipping. Toast buns on cooler griddle area for texture contrast. For dairy-free or vegan options, substitute butter and cheese accordingly. Buns can be swapped for lettuce wraps for low-carb or gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, Blackstone griddle, caramelized onions, easy burger recipe, juicy burgers, backyard cookout, quick dinner