Colorado Animal Style Smash Burgers
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What You’ll Need
For the Burgers
- 1 lb regenerative grass fed ground beef patties
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Yellow mustard
- 6–8 slices American cheese
- 3–4 brioche buns
Caramelized Onions
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Animal Style Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp sugar
- Pinch of black pepper
- 4 oz can green chilis
Toppings
- Sliced tomato
- Lettuce leaves
- Dill pickle chips
Let’s Cook
1. Caramelize the Onions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 25–35 minutes until: deeply golden brown, soft, and jammy Set aside and keep warm. Slow-cooked onions are one of the defining parts of animal style burgers.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl combine: mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar, sugar, green chilis, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Prep the Patties
Divide ground beef or use patties and put them into 6–8 small portions (about 2–2½ oz each). Gently roll into loose balls, do not pack tightly.
4. Smash the Burgers
Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. Place a beef ball on the hot surface. Use parchment paper and a sturdy spatula to smash thin. Season with: salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook 1–1½ minutes. Drizzle a little yellow mustard over the top, then flip. Cook 1 more minute, then top with American cheese and let melt. Cooking mustard directly onto the patty helps build flavor and caramelization. Repeat with remaining patties.
5. Toast the Buns
Lightly toast the brioche buns until golden.
6. Build the Burgers
Spread sauce on both sides of the bun. Layer:
- Bottom bun
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- First cheeseburger patty
- Caramelized onions
- Second cheeseburger patty
- Pickles
- Extra sauce
- Top bun
7. Serve
Serve immediately while hot, melty, and messy. Enjoy!