Simple Carnivore Smash Burgers
A quick and easy recipe for juicy, flavorful smash burgers using just ground beef, salt, and pepper. Perfect for meat lovers seeking a no-fuss, crispy crust burger.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter or beef tallow for basting
Instructions
- Preheat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until smoking hot, about 5 minutes.
- Divide the ground beef into 3 or 4 equal portions (about 4-5 ounces or 115-140g each) and gently roll each into a loose ball.
- Season each beef ball generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
- Place one ball on the hot skillet and use a sturdy, flat metal spatula to press it down firmly until about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds to form a crust. Repeat with remaining balls, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook the patties without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
- If using, add butter or beef tallow to the pan after flipping and baste the patties with the melted fat.
- Check doneness with a thermometer: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium. Patties cook quickly due to thinness.
- Transfer patties to a plate and let rest for a couple of minutes to redistribute juices before serving.
Notes
Do not press down on the patties while cooking after the initial smash to avoid squeezing out juices. Use a very hot pan to achieve a crispy crust. Season just before cooking to prevent moisture loss. One flip only for best crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One patty (about 4 o
- Calories: 280320
- Fat: 2225
- Protein: 2022
Keywords: smash burgers, carnivore diet, ground beef recipe, quick burgers, keto burgers, low carb, juicy burgers