Smash Burgers

This garlicky smash burger recipe includes a hefty amount of portobello mushrooms, which adds a light texture and rich umami flavor. Using a hot skillet and flattening the burgers evenly forms the crispy golden brown crusts that smash burgers are known for. The sweet and smoky balsamic sauce pairs well with the meatiness of the burgers.

Smash Burger
Photo: Fred Hardy
Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4

Ingredients

Burgers

  • 3 medium portobello mushroom caps (about 6 ounces total), stems and gills removed

  • ½ teaspoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon salt-free garlic-and herb seasoning, such as Mrs. Dash

  • teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 pound 92%-lean ground beef

  • 2 tablespoon canola oil or other neutral cooking oil, divided

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • teaspoon kosher salt

  • 4 slices American cheese

  • 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split

  • Bibb lettuce, sliced beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced white onion and/or dill pickles for serving

Smoky Balsamic Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions

  1. To prepare burgers: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place mushrooms, Worcestershire, garlic-and-herb seasoning and ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika in a food processor. Process until the mushrooms are finely chopped, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl.

  2. Add ground beef to the mushroom mixture. Using your hands, mix together until combined. Divide the mixture into 4 balls; place on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, prepare sauce: Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, pepper and smoked paprika; refrigerate until ready to serve.

  4. When the balls are chilled; heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the balls with pepper and salt. Increase heat to high; continue heating the oil for 2 minutes.

  5. Place 2 balls in the pan. Working quickly, use a rigid metal spatula to press down firmly, smashing the balls into flat patties (4- to 5-inch diameter; if desired, use another spatula to press down on the first spatula to create leverage and spread the patties evenly). Cook, undisturbed, until a golden-brown, crispy crust forms on the bottoms, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip; top each patty with 1 cheese slice. Cook, undisturbed, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 160°F, about 2 minutes. Transfer the burgers to a plate; cover to keep warm. Wipe the pan clean. Repeat the procedure with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 2 balls.

  6. Arrange the burgers on bun bottoms. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion and/or pickles, if desired. Spread the cut sides of the top buns evenly with the sauce and place on top.

Equipment

Parchment paper

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

446 Calories
26g Fat
26g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 burger & 1 Tbsp. sauce
Calories 446
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 30g 60%
Total Fat 26g 33%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 85mg 28%
Vitamin A 311IU 6%
Vitamin D 24IU 6%
Vitamin E 2mg 13%
Folate 22mcg 6%
Vitamin K 19mcg 16%
Sodium 683mg 30%
Calcium 201mg 15%
Iron 4mg 22%
Magnesium 47mg 11%
Potassium 284mg 6%
Zinc 2mg 18%
Omega 3 1g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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