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Cozy, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, Mississippi pot roast is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. However, this version is made totally from scratch! ♡

Instead of using the traditional au jus and ranch seasoning packets (which often include extra preservatives and artificial flavorings), this recipe relies on a simple blend of beef stock, pepperoncini, butter, and basic seasonings. It only takes a minute or two more to measure everything out, and the flavor is every bit as rich, tangy, and buttery as the original.

Best of all, your slow cooker (or Instant Pot or Dutch oven) does nearly all of the work here. Just add everything in, let it simmer low and slow until the beef is fall-apart tender, then shred it back into that irresistibly flavorful gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes, polenta, rice, noodles or layered in sandwich rolls for a comforting meal that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s make some!!

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It’s hard to beat a really good smash burger. ♡

Crispy-edged, juicy in the middle, perfectly seasoned, and piled high with all the fixings — this recipe checks all the boxes. Best of all, they’re super-easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients and can be ready to go in less than 15 minutes!

We usually cook ours on a cast iron skillet or griddle indoors, but they’re just as fun to make on a Blackstone (or your favorite outdoor griddle) when the weather’s nice. The magic, of course, is all in the “smash” — pressing the patties quickly and firmly onto a hot surface to create those irresistible sizzling, golden, caramelized edges while keeping the centers tender and juicy. (Highly recommend adding a burger press to your cart, if you don’t own one already!)

From there, you can go classic with melty cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and tangy pickles — or mix things up with whatever toppings you love most. I’ve also included a recipe for my favorite zesty burger sauce that always gets rave reviews.

However you top them, these smash burgers never disappoint. So fire up the skillet tonight and let’s smash some burgers!

Smash Burger Tips

Detailed step-by-step ingredients are included in the recipe below, but here are a few tips to ensure that your smash burgers turn out perfectly every time:

• Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest flavor. The higher fat content gives the burgers that classic juicy, rich flavor everyone loves. Leaner beef can work too, but the burgers won’t be quite as tender.
• Make loose meatballs, not compact patties. This keeps the burgers more tender and helps them smash more easily on the skillet.
• Smash just once. Avoid pressing the patties down again after the first smash, so that you don’t accidentally squeeze out more of the juices.
• Toast the buns. Buttering and toasting the buns is a small step that’s worth the extra time and adds big flavor.
• Cover to melt the cheese. If your cheese isn’t melting quickly, place a lid over the skillet for a few seconds. The steam will trap in the heat and give you perfectly melty cheese every time.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few more recipe variations that you’re welcome to try with these smash burgers:

• Try a double smash. Smash burgers are thin by design, so stack two patties together if you’re extra hungry.
• Swap the cheese. American cheese is classic and melts beautifully on smash burgers, but cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack all work well too.
• Serve with a different sauce. Mix things up by adding on some BBQ sauce, chipotle mayo, or even a drizzle of ranch.
• Add some heat. Top your burger with sliced jalapeños, spicy pickles, chili crunch, or add a pinch of cayenne to the beef.
• Make it vegetarian. Use a plant-based ground “beef” substitute and cook it the same way for a meatless option.

FAQ

Can I make the patties ahead of time? Sure! You can shape the patties a few hours in advance, stack them between layers of parchment paper, store in a sealed container, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just be sure to keep them cold so they stay juicy once they hit the hot griddle.

Can I freeze smash burger patties? Absolutely. Stack raw patties with parchment sheets in between, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed.

How do I reheat leftover burgers? For best results, reheat the patties quickly in a hot skillet or on the griddle to help the edges crisp back up. (The microwave works in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same.)

How do I make Oklahoma onion smash burgers? I personally love these oniony smash burgers. Simply pile a thin layer of paper-thin sliced onions (I recommend using a mandoline) on top of each beef ball before smashing, pressing the onions directly into the patty as it cooks so they caramelize into the burger. So good!!!

Do I really need a burger press? You can use a sturdy spatula to smash, but a burger press will give you more even edges and consistent caramelization. I’m generally not into single-use kitchen gadgets, but a press is definitely worth it if you make these often!

Smash Burgers

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Ali
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Learn how to make the best juicy, crispy-edged homemade smash burgers with this quick and easy recipe.

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Ingredients

Smash Burger Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
• 4 slices American cheese (or your favorite melt-friendly cheese)
• 4 burger buns, buttered and toasted
• toppings: crisp lettuce leaves, pickles, thinly-sliced onions, tomato slices,  etc.

Favorite Burger Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 tablespoon each: Dijon mustard, ketchup, pickle juice
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Prep the beef. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Try not to overmix, so that the patties stay tender. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and roll into loose balls. Transfer to the refrigerator until just before cooking.
2. Preheat your griddle or skillet. Heat a cast iron skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat until very hot — you want instant sizzle when the meat hits the surface.
3. Smash the burgers. Season the top of each beef ball with salt and pepper. Place 1–2 balls in the hot skillet, seasoned-side down, leaving enough room so they won’t touch after smashing (you may need to work with just one at a time). Immediately lay a piece of parchment paper on top of each and use a burger press or flat metal spatula to firmly smash them down to about ¼-inch thick. Remove the parchment, then let the patties cook undisturbed for 1½–2 minutes, until the edges are deeply browned and crispy.
4. Flip and add cheese. Use a sturdy spatula to flip each patty, firmly scraping the bottom of the pan to keep the crust intact. Immediately top each with a slice of cheese. Cook for another 45–60 seconds until cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
5. Assemble & serve. Place patties on toasted buns, add your favorite toppings, and serve immediately while nice and hot.

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Equipment

Burger Press

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9-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

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This beef and broccoli stir-fry has been on repeat in our kitchen for years. ♡

It’s fast, easy, and packed with bold, savory flavors that always hit the spot. The stir-fry sauce is anything but boring — perfectly balanced with rich, garlicky, gingery, slightly sweet notes. The steak turns out perfectly tender, and the broccoli stays just the right amount of crisp. Best of all, everything comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

We love serving it over rice (or my favorite fried rice), noodles, or tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. However you dish it up, this beef and broccoli recipe is always a winner!

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Skip the sandwich and grab a skillet! ♡

I’ve adored Philly cheesesteaks for as long as I can remember — the juicy steak, the melty cheese, the sautéed onions and peppers — total comfort food. But instead of piling everything into a hoagie roll, this skillet version brings all those savory flavors together in a quick, weeknight-friendly dish that’s ready in about 35 minutes. Even better? You only need one pan and a handful of simple ingredients.

I went a little off-script from the traditional version and added a zesty blend of dry seasonings to amp up the flavor (a la Pepperjax Grill, for those of you Midwesterners). So I wouldn’t say this ingredient combo is 100% authentic, but it is incredibly delicious, packed with protein, and easily customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand.

Let’s make a quick batch!

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Quick, vibrant, and irresistibly good — these chimichurri steak bites are a weeknight dinner you’ll want on repeat. ♡

Tender bites of steak are seasoned with a simple blend of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then seared until perfectly golden and juicy. A generous drizzle of garlicky, herb-packed chimichurri takes them over the top, adding bright, fresh, zesty flavor to every bite. I usually make these steak bites in a skillet, but they’re just as delicious cooked as whole steaks or threaded onto skewers for kabobs — whatever works best for you!

We fell in love with chimichurri thanks to our Argentinian friends, who showed us just how magical this fresh herb sauce can be. Ever since, it’s become one of our favorite ways to dress up proteins and bring a burst of flavor to weeknight dinners. It’s always a winner!

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Easily one of the best slow cooker meals I’ve made in a long time. ♡

This coconut curry shredded beef recipe is absolutely bursting with flavor, slow cooked in a rich Thai-inspired red coconut curry sauce until it’s fall-apart tender. The beef soaks up every bit of the bold, savory, slightly-sweet, creamy coconut curry, making each bite incredibly satisfying. And best of all, this recipe is remarkably easy to prepare with just 20ish minutes of prep, and then your slow cooker (or pressure cooker, if you’d like to save time) will handle the rest!

We loved serving this coconut curry beef with a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad, brightened up with lots of fresh lime, cilantro and mint to complement the richness of the beef. It’s delicious ladled over rice, tossed with noodles, or wrapped into lettuce wraps. And as a bonus, the leftovers taste even better the next day and can easily be frozen for later as well.

Trust me, you’re going to want to add this one to your rotation!

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Every December, photos pop up on my TimeHop reminding me of the magical Christmas we spent in England many years ago celebrating some dear friends’ wedding. Amongst so many other fun memories, it was the trip where I fell in love with British pub culture — ducking into charming bars to escape the winter chill, cozying up with a pint or warm mugs of mulled wine, savoring some of the country’s famous comfort foods, and soaking in the lively folk music and cheerful pub vibes. It was such a special and delicious trip. And I’ll always remember it was there that I had my first taste of classic bangers and mash. ♡

This simple dish is the epitome of British comfort food — hearty, humble and absolutely packed with flavor. Savory sausages are browned up in a skillet and then served atop a warm bed of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Then they’re topped with a generous ladle of onion gravy, and usually served with a sprinkling of sweet green peas on the side. It’s one of those simple, straightforward dishes that always ends up being greater than the sum of its parts. And on a cold winter’s day, it’s always guaranteed to warm you up through and through.

There are all sorts of ways that you could customize this dish if you’d like, adding in some extra veggies or seasonings, or making it gluten-free or even vegetarian (with your favorite plant-based sausages). But the classic here is honestly hard to beat, in my opinion. So the next time you’re craving some comfort food, I highly recommend picking up your favorite sausages and giving this one a try!

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Seriously cannot get enough of these noodles lately. ♡

As you’ve probably noticed over the years, we’re huge fans of just about every kind of noodle stir-fry here in our house. But this particular combination of ingredients has become our go-to as of late, especially because of the short ingredient list and quick time frame. Definitely a life-saver on busy weeknights!

I wrote the recipe below using beef and broccoli and wavy noodles (one of my favorite combos), but this dish is honestly endlessly customizable with whatever protein, veggies and noodles you happen to have on hand. The key is the simple Chinese-inspired ginger garlic sauce that brings it all together. It’s made with a base of butter, soy sauce, and a hint of toasted sesame oil, which creates a richly-flavored, creamy, savory sauce that coats each of the noodles. Then I highly recommend topping each bowl with a generous sprinkling of chili crisp (for those of you who love some spice) and furikake seasoning (not spicy and so irresistible), which will pretty much guarantee you’ll be back for seconds.

Let’s do this!

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