How to Eat High Protein without Wasting your Money.

How to Eat High Protein without Wasting your Money. is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Ethan Chlebowski on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $19.48 total, $9.74 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Ground Beef (93% lean, cold)
  • 2 pieces Burger Buns (Standard soft hamburger buns)
  • 2 slices Cheddar Cheese (Sharp, sliced)
  • 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or sea salt)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 2 tbsp Graza Sizzle Olive Oil (High‑smoke‑point extra‑virgin olive oil)
  • 4 leaves Lettuce (Iceberg or romaine, washed)
  • 2 slices Tomato (Ripe, medium)
  • 4 slices Pickles (Dill, optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the Beef

    Place the cold ground beef in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and gently mix just until combined; avoid over‑mixing.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Form Two Equal Balls

    Divide the seasoned beef into two equal portions (about 4 oz each) and roll each into a loose ball.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Preheat Skillet

    Add 2 tbsp Graza Sizzle olive oil to the cast‑iron skillet and heat over medium‑high heat until shimmering.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  4. Smash the Patties

    Place one beef ball in the skillet, let sit 10 seconds, then press firmly with the spatula to flatten to about ¼‑inch thickness. Cook 2 minutes without moving.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  5. Flip and Add Cheese

    Flip the patty, immediately place a slice of cheddar on top, and cook another 1 minute until cheese melts.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  6. Repeat for Second Patty

    Remove the first patty, wipe the skillet if needed, and repeat steps 4‑5 with the second beef ball.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  7. Toast Buns

    While the second patty cooks, split the buns and toast cut sides in the same skillet for 30 seconds until lightly golden.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  8. Assemble the Burger

    On the bottom bun, layer lettuce, tomato, pickles, the first cheese‑topped patty, then the second patty, and finish with the top bun.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Serve

    Serve immediately while hot. Pair with a side of mixed greens or sweet potato fries for extra protein.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
40 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: High protein, Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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How to Eat High Protein without Wasting your Money.

Recipe by Ethan Chlebowski

A juicy double‑patty smash burger made with 93% lean ground beef, a regular bun, and cheese, designed to boost protein intake without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for meal‑prep or a satisfying dinner.

MediumAmericanServes 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

$19.48
Total cost
$9.74
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season the beef lightly and keep it cold.
  • Smash the patty quickly to create a crust.
  • Flip only after juices surface and edges brown.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a meat thermometer if unsure of doneness; internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the double smash burger in American cuisine?

A

The smash burger originated in the United States in the early 2000s, popularized by fast‑casual chains that wanted a quick, juicy patty with a crisp crust. It reflects American fast‑food culture’s focus on speed, flavor, and convenience while still allowing home cooks to create a restaurant‑style burger.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of a high‑protein burger in the United States?

A

Across the U.S., high‑protein burgers vary from the Texas‑style patty topped with jalapeños and cheese, to the West Coast’s avocado‑and‑sprouts version, and the Midwest’s classic cheese‑and‑onion combo. Each region tweaks the toppings and protein source while keeping the core concept of a meat‑centric sandwich.

cultural
Q

How is a high‑protein double smash burger traditionally served in American diners?

A

In classic American diners, the burger is served on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo, often accompanied by fries or a side salad. The focus is on a balanced bite with a juicy patty and fresh toppings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the double smash burger commonly associated with in the United States?

A

The double smash burger is a popular choice for casual gatherings such as backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, and weekend family meals because it’s quick to prepare, crowd‑pleasing, and easy to scale up for larger groups.

cultural
Q

What makes the high‑protein double smash burger special in American comfort food cuisine?

A

Its specialness lies in the contrast between a crisp, caramelized crust created by the smash technique and a tender, protein‑dense interior, delivering a satisfying texture while providing a higher protein count than a standard burger.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the high‑protein double smash burger?

A

Common mistakes include over‑mixing the meat, using a cold pan that doesn’t sear, pressing the patty too early or too lightly, and over‑cooking the patty which dries it out. Follow the critical steps for seasoning, hot oil, and quick flipping to avoid these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this high‑protein double smash burger recipe use Graza Sizzle olive oil instead of butter?

A

Graza Sizzle olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter, allowing the patty to develop a deep crust without burning. Butter would burn at the high heat needed for a proper smash, while the oil provides flavor and a clean sear.

technical
Q

Can I make the high‑protein double smash burger ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can form the beef balls and freeze them raw for up to two months. Cooked patties can be refrigerated for three days in an airtight container and reheated gently in a skillet. Keep buns separate to maintain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making the high‑protein double smash burger?

A

The patty should have a dark, caramelized crust on both sides with a juicy pink interior. The cheese should be fully melted, and the bun should be lightly toasted with a golden underside. The overall burger should feel sturdy yet tender when bitten.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ethan Chlebowski specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ethan Chlebowski specializes in practical nutrition advice, high‑protein meal planning, and easy‑to‑follow cooking tutorials that focus on sustainable, affordable ways to eat more protein without relying on supplements.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ethan Chlebowski's approach to high‑protein American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Ethan Chlebowski emphasizes flexible protein prep, modular meal building, and a grocery‑loop system that reduces waste and cost, whereas many other channels focus on single‑recipe meal prep or high‑tech gadgetry. His style is grounded in everyday kitchen tools and realistic grocery shopping habits.

channel

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