Smash Burger Recipes: Three Irresistible Ways to Master the Trend

Smash burgers are really having their moment right now — and it’s easy to see why. With those crispy edges, juicy centres, and a quick, no-fuss way of cooking, they’re the burger everyone’s talking about this summer. I’ve put together three cracking recipes that show just how simple it is to get involved at home. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue in the garden or cooking indoors, our Copas Mince Boxes, packed with pasture-reared, dry-aged heritage beef, give you the top-quality beef you need to make a burger that stands out.

Classic American-Style Smash Burger

This burger is a nod to the traditional American diner favourite. It starts with high-quality minced beef, formed into small balls and smashed onto a hot pan or on a grill to create a crisp, caramelised crust. Each patty is topped with a slice of burger cheese which melts beautifully over the hot meat. Served in a soft white or brioche bun, it’s layered with crunchy gherkin slices, finely diced white onion, yellow mustard, and classic tomato ketchup. Simple, nostalgic, and full of rich flavour, this burger is all about bold, comforting tastes and textures.

Ingredients

• 1lb Copas Beef Mince
• Salt & pepper
• Burger cheese
• Soft white or brioche bun
• Pickles
• Diced white onions
• Yellow mustard
• Ketchup
• Butter

Instructions

1. Form 2oz beef balls (no seasoning yet)
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on high until smoking
3. Add a little butter, place beef balls, and smash flat with a spatula
4. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn over
5. Top with burger cheese. Cook another 1–2 minutes
6. Toast buns with a little butter
7. Assemble with pickles, diced onions, ketchup and mustard and enjoy!

Spicy Jalapeño Smash Burger

For those who like a bit of heat, this spicy jalapeño smash burger packs a punch without sacrificing balance. The beef is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika before being smashed and seared to perfection. It’s topped with Monterey Jack-style cheese – or any cheese with a chilli kick – for a gooey, spicy finish. The brioche bun is lightly toasted and generously spread with a smoky chipotle mayonnaise made with lime for added zing. Fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, and fiery jalapeño slices finish things off, adding crunch and spice. It's the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and hot.

Ingredients

• 1lb Copas Beef Mince
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled)
• Chipotle mayo (mayo + chipotle + lime juice)
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Brioche buns
• Salt & pepper
• Smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Form 2oz beef balls (no seasoning yet)
2. Season beef balls with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on high until smoking
4. Add a little butter, place beef balls, and smash flat with a spatula
5. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn over
6. Add Monterey Jack and cook for another 1–2 minutes
7. Toast buns with a little butter
8. Spread chipotle mayonnaise on both sides
9. Assemble with your lettuce, tomato, jalapeños and enjoy!

Bacon BBQ Smash Burger

This burger delivers a smoky, indulgent experience that’s perfect for a weekend treat. The beef patties are smashed and seasoned, then topped with slices of mature cheddar that melt into a rich layer of flavour. Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch, while sweet or smoky BBQ sauce ties everything together with a tangy finish. Onion rings or crispy fried onions provide additional texture and a savoury boost. Served in toasted sesame seed buns, this burger is all about big, bold flavours that complement each other beautifully – smoky, savoury, slightly sweet, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1lb Copas Beef Mince
• Mature cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon
• BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky)
• Onion rings or crispy onions
• Sesame seed buns
• Salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Form 2oz beef balls (no seasoning yet)
2. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn over
3. Top with cheddar cheese and cook for another 1–2 minutes
4. Toast buns with a little butter
5. Layer with BBQ sauce, your patty, bacon, crispy onions and enjoy!

Wrap-Up

So, make the most of the sunny days ahead and fire up the barbecue (or heat up a pan), grab your ingredients, and get Smash Burger creating!