Smash Burgers in Beef Tallow

Directions

Ingredients

• 1 1/2-pound loose ground beef 80/20 blend or even 75/85
• 8 slices high quality American cheese; splurge on the good stuff!
• 4 slices beefsteak tomato, about 1/4 inch thick
• 8 slices dill pickles, chips
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/4 cup of thinly sliced sweet yellow onion
• 6 Tablespoons Special Sauce
• 4 each 4″ buns (brioche or soft potato bun recommended)
• 3-4 Tablespoons beef tallow
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. Preheat griddle or large pan; it should be searing hot, around 425-450 degrees
2. Divide ground beef into 3 oz  loose balls.
3. Season each ball with a little salt and pepper
4. Use about 1 tablespoon of tallow to lubricate the griddle; use the spatula to spread it around evenly
5. Place ground beef balls onto the griddle, leaving adequate space around it for smashing (ideally, at least 6 inches between each burger) 
6. Use smashing tool to firmly and evenly press down on each ball, to about 1/4 inch; a small amount of tallow on the flat side of the tool will help the burgers release and not stick.  Hold each burger down for about 5 seconds, then slowly remove the smashing press. Season with a little more salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 1/2 – 2 minutes, then use a large spatula to flip. If done right, a deep caramelized crust will result. Wait about 30 seconds after flipping, then add one slice of cheese on each burger patty. The American cheese will melt quickly; once melted, stack patties on one another and place onto prepared buns. 
7. To prepare buns, simply add a little more tallow to the griddle and place the cut side of each part of the bun on the griddle until golden brown and toasted. 
8. Build the burger with preferred toppings; but for the sake of this recipe, start by placing shredded lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by one slice of tomato, then the 2 smash burger patties, 2 pickles, sliced onion; spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of Special Sauce around the top bun only.  Eat while hot with some tallow fries, tallow potato chips and extra pickles. Enjoy!!

>> GET OUR SPECIAL SAUCE RECIPE HERE <<