Is Cooking Food Yourself Faster Than DoorDash???
Is Cooking Food Yourself FASTER Than DoorDash??? is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by Michael DiCostanzo on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 33 min
Cost: $9.90 total, $2.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, 20% fat; divided into 4 equal portions)
- 4 slices American Cheese (standard processed cheese slices)
- 4 pieces White Hamburger Buns (soft buns, sesame seeds optional)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (thinly sliced for grilling)
- 8 slices Dill Pickle Slices (store‑bought dill pickles)
- 4 leaves Iceberg Lettuce (washed and patted dry)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (regular mayo)
- 1 tsp Salt (for seasoning the patty)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Butter (for toasting buns and sautéing onions)
Instructions
Gather and Prepare Ingredients
Measure 1 lb of ground beef, slice the onion thin, wash lettuce leaves, and set pickles, cheese, mayo, and buns within easy reach.
Time: PT5M
Slice Onion
Using a chef's knife, slice the yellow onion into thin half‑rings for grilling.
Time: PT3M
Soak Lettuce
Place each lettuce leaf in a bowl of cold water for 30 seconds, then pat dry.
Time: PT2M
Preheat Skillet
Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat until a drop of water sizzles and evaporates.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Form and Smash Patties
Divide the beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz each). Place a ball in the hot skillet and immediately press down with the spatula until the patty is about ¼ inch thick.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Season and Flip
Season the patty with salt and pepper. After 2‑3 minutes, when the edges are brown and crisp, flip the patty, place a slice of American cheese on top, and cook another 1‑2 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Grill Onions
Add ½ tbsp butter to the skillet, then add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Toast Buns
Spread the remaining butter on the cut sides of the buns and place them butter‑side‑down in the skillet for 1‑2 minutes until golden.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Assemble the Burger
Spread ½ tbsp mayo on the bottom bun, add a lettuce leaf, the cheesy patty, a handful of grilled onions, a few raw onion rings, and two pickle slices. Top with the toasted bun.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve the burgers immediately while hot and juicy.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 800
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 45 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of American Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss
- Instead of White Hamburger Buns: Potato buns, Brioche buns
- Instead of Yellow Onion: Red onion
- Instead of Dill Pickle Slices: Pickle chips
- Instead of Iceberg Lettuce: Romaine lettuce
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Aioli, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Butter: Margarine, Oil
Equipment Needed
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Sturdy Spatula
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
- Timer (optional)
- Plate (optional)
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Smashing the patty to create a crust
- Cooking the patty to proper doneness without over‑cooking
- Caramelizing the onions without burning
- Toasting the buns evenly
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest smash burger.
- Press the patty firmly and only once; re‑pressing releases juices.
- Cover the pan for 30 seconds after adding cheese to melt it evenly.
Troubleshooting
Patty sticks to the skillet and doesn’t develop a crust.
Make sure the skillet is fully pre‑heated and use a thin, sturdy spatula to press the meat quickly.
Onions burn before they soften.
Lower the heat to medium and add a splash of water or a pinch of sugar to aid caramelization.
Buns become soggy.
Toast the buns butter‑side‑down just until golden and add lettuce directly on the bottom bun to act as a barrier.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet.
Freezer: Wrap individual patties tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Unopened buns keep at room temperature for 2 days; store opened buns in a paper bag.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice onions and store them in a sealed bag for up to 2 days.
- Wash and dry lettuce leaves ahead of time.
- Melt butter and keep it warm for quick bun toasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Five Guys style smash burger in American fast‑food culture?
Five Guys popularized the simple, no‑frills burger with fresh toppings and a focus on a juicy, crusty patty. The smash technique, borrowed from classic American diners, gives the burger a caramelized exterior that has become a hallmark of modern fast‑food burgers in the United States.
What are the traditional regional variations of smash burgers within the United States cuisine?
While the basic smash burger is common nationwide, regional twists include adding bacon in the South, using pepper jack cheese in the Southwest, or topping with sautéed mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. Five Guys sticks to the classic American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
What is the authentic traditional way a Five Guys smash burger is served in American fast‑food restaurants?
At Five Guys, the burger is served on a soft, lightly toasted white bun with a generous spread of mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, grilled onions, raw onions, and a slice of American cheese over a hot, smashed beef patty. No sauces beyond mayo are used.
What occasions or celebrations is the Five Guys style smash burger traditionally associated with in American culture?
Burgers like the Five Guys smash are a staple for casual gatherings, backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, and quick weeknight meals. They’re often paired with fries and a soda for a classic American comfort‑food experience.
What makes the Five Guys style smash burger special or unique in American burger cuisine?
The defining feature is the high‑heat smash that creates a flavorful crust while keeping the interior juicy, combined with fresh, crisp toppings and a simple mayo‑based spread. This balance of texture and flavor sets it apart from thicker, grilled patties.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making a Five Guys style smash burger at home?
Common errors include using lean meat that won’t develop a crust, pressing the patty too early or too often, overcrowding the skillet which lowers temperature, and under‑toasting the buns. Follow the critical steps for a perfect crust and texture.
Why does this Five Guys style smash burger recipe use a smash technique instead of forming a thick patty?
Smashing the beef spreads it thin, increasing surface area that contacts the hot pan. This creates a caramelized crust (Maillard reaction) while the interior stays juicy, which is the signature texture of a Five Guys burger.
Can I make the Five Guys style smash burger ahead of time and how should I store the components?
Yes. Cook the patties and let them cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep buns toasted just before serving, and store sliced onions and lettuce separately in the fridge. Reheat patties briefly in a skillet before assembling.
How do I know when the patty is done cooking for a Five Guys style smash burger?
The patty should have a deep brown crust on the bottom after 2‑3 minutes. Flip it; after adding cheese, cook another 1‑2 minutes. The interior will be medium‑rare to medium, which is the typical doneness for Five Guys burgers.
What does the YouTube channel Michael DiCostanzo specialize in?
The YouTube channel Michael DiCostanzo focuses on fun cooking challenges, fast‑food recreations, and practical home‑cooking tutorials that compare homemade versions with restaurant delivery.
How does the YouTube channel Michael DiCostanzo's approach to American fast‑food cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Michael DiCostanzo emphasizes head‑to‑head timing challenges, showing viewers how quickly a homemade version can match or beat delivery speed, while many other channels focus solely on technique or flavor without the competitive element.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
