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Close up of charred ground beef chunks with melted yellow cheddar in a Smash Burger Bowl.

Smash Burger Bowl with Secret Sauce and Caramelized Onions

This Smash Burger Bowl features charred, crispy-edged beef chunks, melted yellow cheddar, and sweet caramelized onions over a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce, finished with a creamy, relish-spiked secret burger sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 645
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Smash Burger Bowl Ingredients
  • 1 lb 80/20 Ground Beef 454g
  • 4 slices Yellow Cheddar Cheese Bright yellow, sharp
  • 1 head Iceberg Lettuce Finely shredded
  • 2 large Yellow Onions Thinly sliced for caramelizing
  • 1/2 cup Crinkle-cut Dill Pickles About 10-12 slices
  • 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds For garnish
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise 120ml
  • 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard 15ml
  • 1 tbsp Ketchup 15ml
  • 2 tbsp Sweet Green Relish 30ml
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly cracked

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet Essential for high-heat searing
  • 1 Heavy Spatula For smashing the beef

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Sauté sliced onions in olive oil over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until translucent and golden-brown.
  2. Whisk mayo, mustard, ketchup, relish, and black pepper until a creamy pale-orange sauce forms.
Cooking and Assembly
  1. Sear ground beef in a hot cast-iron skillet, smashing flat to create charred, crispy edges. Break into chunks and melt cheddar on top.
  2. Layer shredded lettuce in a bowl. Top with beef chunks, onions, pickles, and tomatoes. Drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Notes

Keep the lettuce ice-cold for maximum crunch.
Use 80/20 beef to ensure the meat gets those iconic charred edges without drying out.