Name: Quick Blackstone Smash Burgers with Crispy Onions Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 medium yellow onion (about 150 g), thinly sliced; 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil; A pinch of salt; 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil; 4 burger buns (preferably soft brioche or potato buns); Optional toppings: cheese (American, cheddar, or pepper jack), pickles, lettuce, tomato, spicy mayo or mustard

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Introduction

Quick Blackstone smash burgers offer a perfect balance of juicy beef and crispy edges, topped with caramelized onions for extra flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality burger made right on your griddle at home.

The image shows a close-up of a juicy cheeseburger with two thick, cooked beef patties stacked inside a shiny golden-brown bun. Between the patties, melted yellow cheddar cheese drapes down with a creamy texture. On top of the cheese, there are crispy fried onions adding a crunchy layer with a light golden color. The top bun is soft and slightly glossy, completing the sandwich. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 medium yellow onion (about 150 g), thinly sliced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
4 burger buns (preferably soft brioche or potato buns)
Optional toppings: cheese (American, cheddar, or pepper jack), pickles, lettuce, tomato, spicy mayo or mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 204°C). Thinly slice the onion and toss with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Step 2: Spread the oiled onions in a thin layer on one side of the griddle. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until edges turn golden, then stir occasionally until crispy and caramelized. Transfer to a small bowl or plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz or 115 g each). Gently form into loose balls without overworking. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Place each beef ball on the hot griddle and immediately smash down firmly with a metal spatula to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to create a crispy crust. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crusty.
Step 5: Flip the patties carefully. If using cheese, place a slice on each patty now. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and burgers are cooked through (medium-well recommended).
Step 6: Toast the buns cut-side down on the griddle for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Assemble the burgers by layering patties on buns, topping generously with crispy onions and any other desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use an 80/20 beef blend for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Don’t overwork the meat when forming balls to keep the texture tender.
Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist.
If you don’t have a Blackstone, a heavy skillet or cast iron pan works well for smashing and crisping.
Try adding a dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the beef for extra flavor complexity.

Storage

Store leftover patties and crispy onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or a microwave until warmed through, then reassemble with fresh buns and toppings. Avoid storing assembled burgers to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of two burgers on a white marbled surface, each with three layers of thick, juicy beef patties that are charred on the outside. Melted bright yellow cheese covers the patties and drips slightly down the sides. On top of the cheese, there is a layer of crispy, pale golden fried onions. The burgers are held together by soft, shiny, golden-brown buns with a smooth texture on top. The blurry background keeps the focus on the front burger. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, sweet onions or red onions can be used, but yellow onions caramelize best and add a rich, savory sweetness to the crispy topping.

How do I know when the burgers are done?

The patties are best cooked to medium-well for safety and juiciness, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side after smashing. The cheese melting on top is a good indicator the burger is ready to serve.