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Better Than McDonalds Big Mac Smash Burger Recipe Easy Homemade Flavorful Delight

better than mcdonalds big mac smash burger - featured image

A flavorful homemade Big Mac smash burger that captures the iconic fast-food taste with crispy edges, melty cheese, and a tangy special sauce. Quick and easy to make, perfect for casual meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices American cheese
  • 3 sesame seed buns
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 68 dill pickle slices
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
  • Special Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prep your toppings: Finely chop white onion, shred iceberg lettuce, and slice dill pickles thinly. Set aside.
  3. Toast the buns: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter the insides of the sesame seed buns and toast them butter-side-down until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Form the beef balls: Divide ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 2.7 oz or 75g each). Roll loosely into balls without overworking the meat.
  5. Heat skillet for patties: Increase heat to medium-high and let the skillet get very hot (around 400°F).
  6. Smash and sear the patties: Place 2 beef balls in the pan without crowding. Press down immediately with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thickness. Hold pressure for 10 seconds. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving until edges are brown and crisp.
  7. Flip, add cheese, and cook: Flip patties, add a slice of American cheese on top, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy.
  8. Assemble the burger: Spread a tablespoon of special sauce on the bottom bun. Add shredded lettuce, 2 smashed patties stacked, pickle slices, chopped onions, and top with the toasted bun crown.
  9. Repeat for remaining patties to make two burgers or serve as sliders.
  10. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use fresh, room-temperature ground beef for best results. Smash patties once firmly and avoid flipping repeatedly to keep them juicy. Toast buns with butter for extra crunch. The special sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For gluten-free or low-carb options, swap buns with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: Big Mac, smash burger, homemade burger, special sauce, easy burger recipe, copycat McDonalds, cast iron skillet burger