Description

A quick and comforting deconstructed smash burger served in a bowl with a homemade roux-based cheddar cheese sauce, crispy beef patties, and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 tablespoon cooking oil (avocado or canola)
Coarse kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cups white rice or mixed greens
1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
½ cup dill pickle chips
1 medium tomato (diced)

Instructions

Divide ground beef into four 4-ounce balls. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with oil until shimmering.
Place a beef ball in the pan and smash thin (about ¼ inch). Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until crispy edges form, then flip and cook for 30-60 seconds. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux (wet sand consistency).
Slowly pour in milk while whisking vigorously. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
Remove pan from heat. Stir in grated cheddar cheese a handful at a time until melted and smooth.
Divide rice or greens among bowls. Top with smashed patties, cheese sauce, tomatoes, red onion, and pickles. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese to prevent graininess. Keep beef cold until cooking to prevent sticking. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure a good sear. Remove cheese sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent breaking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl per serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 900
Fat: 45
Saturated Fat: 20
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35

Keywords: smash burger, cheese sauce, bowl recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, homemade cheese sauce, ground beef recipes