Classic Burger

Classic Burger is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Ethan Chlebowski: Into the Multiverse on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 32 min

Cost: $7.51 total, $3.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.45 kg Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, chilled)
  • 2 pieces Burger Buns (Soft sandwich buns, toasted lightly before serving)
  • 2 slices American Cheese (Standard processed cheese, sliced)
  • 0.25 cup White Onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 4 leaves Iceberg Lettuce (Thinly sliced or torn)
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (Full‑fat)
  • 1 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tsp Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or sea salt)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Simple Burger Sauce

    In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Slice Onion and Lettuce

    Thinly slice the onion into half‑rings and tear or slice the lettuce leaves into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT4M

  3. Form and Chill Patties

    Divide the chilled ground beef into four equal portions (about 113 g each). Lightly shape each into a loose ball; do not over‑work. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 5 minutes while the pan heats.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Preheat Skillet

    Place the cast iron skillet over medium‑high heat and let it become very hot (about 400°F).

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°F

  5. Smash the Patties

    Place two meat balls in the skillet, leaving space between them. Using the sturdy spatula, press each ball firmly until it is about 1 cm thick. Cook without moving for 2 minutes, then flip, add a slice of American cheese on each, and cook another 1 minute.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 400°F

  6. Toast the Buns

    While the second side cooks, split the buns and place the cut sides down on the skillet for 30 seconds until lightly golden.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Assemble the Burgers

    Spread a generous spoonful of the prepared sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, a cheese‑topped patty, onion rings, then the top bun. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
32 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Egg (mayonnaise), Dairy (American cheese), Gluten (buns)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Classic Burger

Recipe by Ethan Chlebowski: Into the Multiverse

A quick and satisfying American-style smash burger featuring thinly sliced onion, crisp lettuce, a homemade mayo‑ketchup‑mustard sauce, two juicy smash patties, and melted American cheese, all sandwiched between soft buns.

EasyAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
16m
Prep
4m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.51
Total cost
$3.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mixing the burger sauce to achieve a balanced flavor.
  • Keeping the meat cold before smashing for a proper crust.
  • Ensuring the skillet is hot enough before smashing the patties.
  • Pressing the patties quickly and evenly for uniform thickness.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw ground beef with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot skillet; the handle becomes extremely hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the classic American smash burger in United States cuisine?

A

The smash burger originated in the 1980s Midwest, popularized by fast‑casual chains that discovered that pressing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle creates a caramelized crust and juicy interior, embodying the American love for quick, flavorful comfort food.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of the smash burger exist within American cuisine?

A

In the Pacific Northwest, chefs add caramelized onions and smoked cheese; in the South, a slice of pickles and a drizzle of hot sauce are common; in New York, a blend of cheddar and American cheese with a brioche bun is popular.

cultural
Q

How is a classic smash burger traditionally served in American diners?

A

Traditionally it is served on a soft, lightly toasted bun with simple toppings—thin onion, lettuce, a tangy mayo‑ketchup‑mustard sauce, and melted American cheese—often accompanied by fries and a cold soda.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is the smash burger commonly enjoyed in the United States?

A

Smash burgers are a staple at casual gatherings such as backyard barbecues, sports‑watch parties, and weekend family meals, and they often appear on menus for burger‑themed festivals across the country.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients define a traditional American smash burger versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include 80/20 ground beef, American processed cheese, a simple mayo‑ketchup‑mustard sauce, and a soft sandwich bun. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey or bison for the meat, cheddar for cheese, and Greek yogurt in place of mayo, though they alter the classic flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with this classic smash burger?

A

Classic pairings include seasoned French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette, all of which complement the rich, savory burger.

cultural
Q

What makes the smash burger special or unique in American fast‑casual cuisine?

A

Its defining feature is the high‑heat smash technique that creates a deeply caramelized crust while keeping the interior juicy, delivering intense flavor with minimal cooking time—a hallmark of American fast‑casual efficiency.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this classic smash burger at home?

A

Common errors include using a pan that isn’t hot enough, over‑handling the meat before smashing, and stacking too many patties in one pan which lowers the temperature and prevents a proper crust.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cast‑iron skillet for smashing the patties instead of a non‑stick pan?

A

Cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly, achieving the high temperature needed for rapid Maillard browning; a non‑stick surface cannot reach the same searing intensity and may cause the meat to steam instead of crust.

technical
Q

Can I make the classic smash burger ahead of time and how should I store the components?

A

Yes—form the raw patties and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours, and prepare the sauce in advance, storing it in a sealed jar. Cooked patties can be reheated gently in a skillet, and buns can be toasted fresh before assembly.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ethan Chlebowski: Into the Multiverse specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ethan Chlebowski: Into the Multiverse focuses on creative, science‑infused cooking experiments, quick home‑cooking tutorials, and exploring culinary concepts through a playful, multiverse‑themed lens.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ethan Chlebowski: Into the Multiverse's approach to American burger cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Ethan Chlebowski blends storytelling and visual effects with straightforward techniques, often highlighting the physics of heat and flavor, whereas most channels simply demonstrate the steps without the thematic, educational twist.

channel

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