VEGAS HAS A NEW BURGER PROBLEM (IT'S OURS)

VEGAS HAS A NEW BURGER PROBLEM (IT'S OURS) is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 33 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min

Cost: $26.95 total, $6.74 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.25 lb Ground Beef (80/20) (Divided into four 5‑oz balls, chilled before cooking)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (Season both sides of the patty)
  • 1 tsp Coarse Black Pepper (Freshly cracked for texture)
  • 4 pieces Martin's Potato Rolls (Soft, slightly sweet bun; toast before assembling)
  • 4 slices American Cheese (Melted on the patty just before finishing)
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (Base for chipotle aioli)
  • 1 tsp Chipotle Peppers in Adobo (Finely minced for aioli)
  • 2 tsp Lime Juice (1 tsp for aioli, 1 tsp for guacamole)
  • 1 tsp Honey (Adds shine to carnitas glaze)
  • 2 tbsp Carnitas Cooking Liquid (Reserved from pre‑cooked carnitas; if unavailable, use low‑sodium chicken broth)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon (Adds warmth to the glaze)
  • 1 clove Garlic (Minced for glaze)
  • 1 large Avocado (For guacamole, ripe but firm)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (Thinly sliced for crispy onions)
  • 2 tbsp All‑Purpose Flour (Light coating for crispy onions)
  • 2 cup Vegetable Oil (For shallow frying onions; can reuse for multiple batches)
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Butter the buns before toasting)

Instructions

  1. Make Chipotle Aioli

    In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, minced chipotle pepper, 1 tsp lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Guacamole

    Halve the avocado, remove the pit, scoop the flesh into a bowl, add 1 tsp lime juice, a pinch of salt, and mash to desired consistency.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Fry Crispy Onions

    Thinly slice the onion, toss with flour to coat lightly, then shallow‑fry in hot vegetable oil (350°F) until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 350°F

  4. Prepare Carnitas Glaze

    In a small saucepan combine carnitas cooking liquid, 1 tbsp lime juice, ground cinnamon, minced garlic, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and honey. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5‑7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Form and Chill Beef Patties

    Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (5 oz each). Gently shape each into a loose ball, do not over‑work. Place on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for 5‑8 minutes to firm.

    Time: PT8M

  6. Sear and Smash First Side

    Heat the cast‑iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Add a thin drizzle of oil, place a beef ball in the pan, and immediately press down with a sturdy spatula until the patty is about 1/4‑inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and coarse black pepper. Cook without moving for 2‑3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: High

  7. Flip, Glaze, and Melt Cheese

    Flip the patty, brush the cooked side generously with the carnitas glaze, then place a slice of cheese on top. Cook for another 1‑2 minutes until the cheese melts and the glaze caramelizes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium‑High

  8. Rest the Patty

    Transfer the cooked patty to a rack and let rest for 1 minute to allow excess fat to drip off.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Toast the Buns

    Spread butter on the cut sides of each roll. In the same skillet (or a separate pan) toast the buns butter‑side down until golden, about 1‑2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  10. Assemble the Naughty Sammy Burger

    Spread a generous layer of chipotle aioli on the bottom bun, place the rested patty, top with a dollop of guacamole, sprinkle crispy onions, and cap with the top bun.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
800
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
45 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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VEGAS HAS A NEW BURGER PROBLEM (IT'S OURS)

Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY

A restaurant‑style smash burger inspired by the Vegas collaboration at Naughty Patties. A juicy 5‑oz beef patty topped with a sweet‑spicy carnitas glaze, melted cheese, chipotle aioli, creamy guacamole, and crispy onions, all sandwiched between a buttery Martin's potato roll.

MediumAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
23m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$26.95
Total cost
$6.74
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Smashing the patty to create a crust
  • Applying the carnitas glaze before cheese melts
  • Assembling with both chipotle aioli and guacamole to balance flavors

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Naughty Sammy Burger in American burger culture?

A

The Naughty Sammy Burger is a modern twist on the classic American smash burger, blending traditional beef with Mexican‑inspired carnitas glaze, guacamole, and chipotle aioli. It reflects the growing trend of fusion burgers that celebrate regional flavors while staying rooted in the fast‑casual burger scene.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of smash burgers in the United States and how does the Naughty Sammy Burger differ?

A

Traditional smash burgers from the Midwest often feature simple cheese and pickles on a soft bun. The Naughty Sammy adds a Mexican flair with carnitas glaze, guacamole, and crispy onions, creating a richer texture and flavor profile that sets it apart from the classic version.

cultural
Q

How is the Naughty Sammy Burger traditionally served in Las Vegas food halls?

A

In Las Vegas food halls like the Cosmopolitan’s Block 16, the Naughty Sammy is served on a toasted Martin’s potato roll, topped with chipotle aioli, a juicy smash patty, guacamole, and crunchy onions, often accompanied by seasoned fries and a milkshake called a “concrete.”

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Naughty Sammy Burger associated with in Vegas dining culture?

A

The Naughty Sammy is often highlighted during special events, pop‑up collaborations, and charity nights at Naughty Patties, making it a celebratory dish for food‑lover gatherings and fund‑raising evenings in the Las Vegas dining scene.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for the Naughty Sammy Burger and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Key authentic ingredients include 80/20 ground beef, Martin’s potato rolls, chipotle aioli, fresh guacamole, and a carnitas glaze made from cooking liquid, lime, cinnamon, garlic, and honey. Substitutes can be a brioche bun, ground chuck, smoked paprika for chipotle, or maple syrup for honey without losing the core flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Naughty Sammy Burger at home?

A

Common mistakes include not pre‑heating the skillet, over‑working the beef balls, using too much glaze which makes the patty soggy, and under‑seasoning the onions. Ensure the pan is smoking hot, smash quickly, and brush glaze just before adding cheese.

technical
Q

Why does this Naughty Sammy Burger recipe use a carnitas glaze instead of a traditional ketchup or BBQ sauce?

A

The carnitas glaze adds a sweet‑savory‑citrus complexity that complements the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the guacamole, creating a layered flavor profile that a standard ketchup or BBQ sauce cannot provide.

technical
Q

Can I make the Naughty Sammy Burger ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the chipotle aioli, guacamole, and crispy onions up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Store cooked patties separately, wrapped, and reheat briefly before assembling. Assemble the burger no more than 2 hours before serving to keep the bun from getting soggy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY specializes in approachable, high‑energy cooking tutorials that blend comfort food with creative twists, often featuring collaborations with restaurants and a focus on bold flavors.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY's approach to American fusion burgers differ from other cooking channels?

A

SAM THE COOKING GUY emphasizes on‑the‑spot testing, real‑time feedback, and a collaborative process with chefs, delivering a raw, authentic feel. Unlike polished studio productions, his videos showcase the hustle of food halls and the spontaneous creativity behind each burger.

channel

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