Smoky BBQ Smash Beef Burger

A luxurious smash beef burger with sweet-smoky barbecue, dill pickles and shredded lettuce, and a golden toasted bun. A Nurtosh favourite for an elevated homemade burger night.

Prep: 15 minutes   Cook: 15–25 minutes   Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 340 g ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 2 brioche or potato burger buns
• 40 g smoked cheddar (or 2 slices)
• 2 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• dill pickles and shredded lettuce

Instructions

1. Prepare the topping: Brush the cooked patties with barbecue sauce just before adding the cheese.
2. Divide beef into 4 loose balls. Do not press them until they reach the hot skillet. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a heavy skillet until very hot. Add beef balls and immediately smash each thin with a sturdy spatula. Sear until a deep crust forms, then flip. Cook until the centre of every beef patty reaches 71°C / 160°F on a food thermometer. Cooking time depends on thickness and heat.
4. Add smoked cheddar during the final minute of cooking (or just after cooking for blue cheese). Let it soften while the patties rest briefly.
5. Mix mayonnaise with Dijon mustard. Toast the buns until lightly golden; add extra barbecue sauce if desired.
6. Spread sauce on the buns, layer with dill pickles and shredded lettuce, add the beef and smoky bbq topping, then close and serve immediately.

Nurtosh kitchen tip

The secret to this smash burger is to keep the beef cold until cooking and toast the buns just before assembly. Serve with oven fries or a fresh salad.

Food safety: Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 71°C / 160°F.