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Depression Era Onion Smash Cheeseburgers Recipe

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3.8 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving (2 patties)

Description

This Depression Era Onion Smash Cheeseburger recipe is a nostalgic take on a classic American comfort food, featuring thinly smashed ground beef patties cooked alongside caramelizing onions in a cast iron skillet. The method yields crispy edges on the burger with melted American cheese and soft steamed buns, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Beef and Seasonings

  • 1/4 teaspoon oil
  • 5 ounces freshly ground beef, divided into two 2 1/2-ounce balls
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 1 medium onion, very thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 slices American cheese

Buns and Condiments

  • 2 soft hamburger buns
  • Mustard, pickles, or other condiments, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Skillet: Lightly spread the oil inside a large cast iron skillet using a paper towel. Heat over medium-high until the skillet is hot and just beginning to smoke. This ensures a good sear on the beef.
  2. Add Beef and Onions: Place the two balls of ground beef into the skillet and immediately top with a generous handful of the thinly sliced onions. This layering starts the caramelization process simultaneously with the beef cooking.
  3. Smash the Patties: Using the back of a sturdy spatula, press down firmly on the beef and onions until the patties are very thin and fully smashed. This technique creates crispy edges and cooks the patties quickly.
  4. Season and Brown: Generously season the smashed beef with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until the edges of the patties are deeply browned and crispy, developing rich flavor and texture.
  5. Flip and Scrape: Carefully flip each burger with a stiff spatula, scraping up all the browned bits from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium to prevent burning while continuing to cook.
  6. Cook Onions: Cook for about 1 minute on the flipped side until the onions begin to soften and become fragrant, blending their flavors with the beef.
  7. Add Cheese and Toast Buns: Place one slice of American cheese on each patty. Top each with the bottom hamburger bun, then invert the top bun and place it over the bottom bun to create a steam pocket.
  8. Steam and Caramelize: Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are fully caramelized, the cheese is melted perfectly, and the buns soften from the steam.
  9. Assemble and Serve: Remove the top buns and add any desired condiments like mustard or pickles. Carefully lift the burger, onions, and bottom bun together onto a plate.
  10. Finish and Enjoy: Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately to enjoy a warm, melty, and flavorful Onion Smash Cheeseburger.

Notes

  • Use a sturdy spatula to effectively smash the beef for the best crispy edges.
  • Cast iron skillet is preferred for even heat distribution and great flavor development.
  • Thinly slicing the onions helps them caramelize faster and adds sweetness to the burger.
  • Steaming the buns by inverting the top bun traps moisture and softens the bread for a perfect bite.
  • Add condiments like mustard or pickles according to personal preference to enhance flavor.
  • Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding the beef to achieve a good sear.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/depression-era-onion-smash-cheeseburgers-recipe/