Smash Burgers

INGREDIENTS

• 1lb. grass fed beef, 80/20
• sliced cheddar cheese, or cheese of your choice
• desired toppings, i.e. caramelized onions, pickles, fry sauce, etc.
• burger buns, store bought or homemade
• russet and/or sweet potatoes for fries
• Botticelli Cooking Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Butter and/or beef tallow

PREPARATION

1. For the fries, peel and thinly slice the potatoes into matchstick shapes.
2. Place on a parchment lined sheet pan.
3. Drizzle generously with melted butter or beef tallow and bake at 425F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Top with salt and pepper.
4. Gather your desired burger toppings and set aside. If making caramelized onions, add a chunk of butter and a splash of Cooking Extra Virgin Olive Oil to a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often until the onions are dark and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. Carefully wipe out the hot pan, add a little more olive oil and increase the heat to high.
6. Divide the ground beef into 4-6 equal pieces and roll into balls.
7. Add the beef to the hot pan in stages and use the bottom of a cup or jar to smash the meatballs down into patties. Cook until slightly charred on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes, then flip.
8. Top with a slice of cheese and continue to cook until melted.
9. Remove the burger patties from the pan and set aside. Separate the hamburger buns and spread butter on the insides.
10. In the same pan, grill the buns, pressing them down with a cup or metal spatula. Cook until crisp, 1-2 minutes.
11. Assemble the burgers with your desired toppings, serve with fries, and enjoy!