Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Baby gold or red potatoes
- 1 lb Lean ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
- 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Diced pickles
- 1/4 cup Finely diced red onion
- Burger Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp ketchup, and a splash of pickle juice.
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold salted water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well and let them steam-dry for a few minutes; removing moisture is the secret to maximum crispiness later.
- Smash and Roast: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle it with olive oil. Place the potatoes on the sheet and use the bottom of a heavy glass or a potato masher to flatten them until they are about 1/2 inch thick. Brush the tops with more olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Beef: While the potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into very small crumbles as it cooks. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Drain any excess grease from the pan so the potatoes don’t get soggy.
- Layer and Melt: Once the potatoes are crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the cooked ground beef onto each smashed potato. Top each one with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Place the pan back into the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Whisk your burger sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Remove the potatoes from the oven and immediately top them with diced onions and pickles. Drizzle the homemade burger sauce over the top while everything is still hot. Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes