Description
A budget-friendly, 4-ingredient meal that deconstructs a classic smash burger into a bowl with crispy, seasoned potatoes. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil (divided)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Ketchup and Yellow Mustard for serving
- Pickle Chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel or leave skin on potatoes and cut into half-inch cubes. Toss in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Potatoes: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add potatoes in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to form a crust, then stir and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender and crispy. Remove and keep warm.
- Prep the Beef: While potatoes cook, portion ground beef into 4-5 ounce balls. Keep cold until ready to cook. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Smash the Burgers: Wipe skillet if needed and add a tiny bit more oil if necessary. Heat pan over high heat. Place a beef ball in the pan and immediately press down hard with a burger press or spatula to create a thin patty (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Sear the Burgers: Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark brown and crispy. Flip once and cook for 1 more minute.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the burgers immediately after flipping. Cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds to melt the cheese.
- Assemble: Place a generous scoop of crispy potatoes in a bowl. Top with the cheesy smash burger. Drizzle with ketchup and mustard, add pickle chips, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Ensure potatoes are dry before cooking to maximize crispiness. Do not crowd the pan when frying potatoes. Keep beef cold until it hits the pan for better searing. Season beef after smashing to prevent moisture loss. For leftovers, store beef and potatoes separately; reheat potatoes in an oven or air fryer to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl per person
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 30
Keywords: smash burger, burger bowl, budget meal, ground beef, potatoes, quick dinner, comfort food, cast iron skillet