Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is best)
- 4 thick slices of Sourdough or Brioche bread
- 4–6 slices of American Cheese (for maximum melt)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 small Yellow Onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil or Beef Tallow
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Optional: Pickles and Burger Sauce for serving
Instructions
- Divide your ground beef into two equal portions and roll them loosely into balls. Do not overwork the meat, as you want it to stay tender. Thinly slice your onions if you are using them. Generously butter one side of each slice of bread. Prepare your workspace with a heavy spatula or a burger press and a small piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking during the smashing process.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat. Add a tiny bit of oil to the pan. Place the beef balls onto the hot surface, leaving plenty of space between them. Place a piece of parchment paper over a beef ball and use your heavy spatula to press down firmly until the patty is very thin and wider than your bread. Season generously with salt and pepper. If using onions, press them into the raw side of the beef now.
- Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are dark brown and crispy. Flip the patty over. Immediately place a slice of cheese on the patty. Now, place one slice of bread (butter side up) on top of the cheese. Carefully slide your spatula under the burger and flip the whole thing so the bread is now on the bottom of the pan. Place another slice of cheese on the beef, followed by the second slice of bread (butter side out).
- Lower the heat to medium. Grill the sandwich for 2 minutes until the bottom bread is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the entire grilled cheese sandwich. Press down slightly with the spatula to ensure the cheese melts and bonds the beef to the bread. Once both sides are perfectly toasted and the cheese is oozing out the sides, remove from the heat.
- Let the sandwich rest for one minute to allow the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly. This ensures you get that perfect TikTok-worthy cheese pull. Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve it with a side of extra pickles or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes