Smash Burgers

Add to a 12-inch stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron skillet:

Wipe it around with a paper towel. Set the skillet over medium heat and allow to preheat for about 5 minutes. gently form each portion into a cylindrical puck about 2 inches tall:

Press together just until the meat holds its shape without falling apart. Season generously on all sides with:

Increase the heat under the skillet to high and heat until the skillet is smoking. Add 2 beef pucks to the skillet. With a firm, stiff metal spatula, press down on each one. Press until they are roughly 4 to 4 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2-inch thick. If they are hard to smash, press down on the first spatula with a second one.

Cook without moving until a golden brown crust develops, about 1 1/2 minutes. Use the edge of the spatula to scrape up and flip the patties one at a time. Scrape all the browned bits from the skillet. If using cheese, add it now:

Cook until the patties are cooked to desired doneness. That is about 30 seconds longer for medium-rare. Transfer the patties to:

Top the buns and/or patties as desired with:

Close the burgers and serve immediately. Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel. Repeat the process with the remaining ground beef pucks.