The Best BBQ Smashburgers

Name: The Best BBQ Smashburgers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 small yellow onion, very thinly sliced; 1 tbsp avocado oil (or neutral oil); 4 slices pepper jack cheese; ½ cup SideDish Ronny’s BBQ Sauce, plus more for serving; ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, drained; 1 cup loosely packed arugula; 4 brioche burger buns, toasted; Butter, for toasting buns

Alex Snodgrass

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small yellow onion, very thinly sliced
1 tbsp avocado oil (or neutral oil)
4 slices pepper jack cheese
½ cup SideDish Ronny’s BBQ Sauce, plus more for serving
¼ cup pickled jalapeños, drained
1 cup loosely packed arugula
4 brioche burger buns, toasted
Butter, for toasting buns

Method

Divide the ground beef into 8 loose balls (¼ lb each). Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat.
Working in batches if needed, place 2 beef balls in the skillet or griddle. Top each with a small handful of sliced onions, then immediately smash down firmly with a metal spatula (using another spatula or a jar for leverage). You want thin, craggy-edged patties with onions pressed into the meat.
Cook the patties undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes until deeply browned and crisp. Flip, then immediately brush the top of each patty with plenty of Ronny’s BBQ Sauce and top with a slice of pepper jack cheese. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
To assemble the burgers, layer two patties per bun, then top with pickled jalapeños, a handful of arugula, and extra BBQ sauce if desired. Add the top bun, serve, and enjoy!