Double-Decker Smash Burger With Ranch

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
15 min	10 min	25 min

How to Make Double-Decker Smash Burger With Ranch

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Prepare the beef patties

Add the ground beef to a bowl and gently sprinkle with salt and pepper without overmixing.
Divide the meat into four loose balls, each about 4 ounces, and keep them chilled until cooking.
Toast the buttered buns

Slice the burger buns if needed, then spread the cut sides with a thin layer of softened butter.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast the buns cut side down until golden.
Set the toasted buns aside on a plate so they stay crisp and ready for assembly.

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Cook the bacon if needed

If your bacon is not already cooked, add strips to the skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain while you cook the burgers.
Smash and sear the first patties

Increase the heat to medium-high and add a very thin layer of oil if the pan looks dry.
Place two beef balls in the hot skillet, leaving space, and immediately press each one flat with a sturdy spatula.
Press firmly for 10 to 20 seconds so the edges frill and make good contact with the pan.
Cook without moving until the bottom is deeply browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Melt the cheese and finish cooking

Flip each patty, then top each one with a slice of American cheese.
Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the centers are cooked to your liking.
Transfer the patties to a plate and repeat with the remaining two beef balls.

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Assemble the double-decker burgers

Spread about 2 tablespoons of ranch on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Add a layer of dill pickles, then place one cheesy patty on each bun.
Top each patty with two strips of crisp bacon, then stack the second patty over the bacon.
Finish with the top bun, adding a little extra ranch inside if you like a saucier sandwich.
Serve the burgers

Serve the burgers right away while the edges are still crisp and the cheese is hot and melty.
Pair with fries, chips, or a simple salad to balance the rich, juicy sandwich.

Tips

Use the right pan: A heavy cast-iron skillet or flat griddle holds heat best and creates that signature lacy, browned crust.
Do not overwork the meat: Keep the beef loosely packed so the fat renders between the strands and the burgers stay tender and juicy.
Smash only once: Press the patties just once at the start, then avoid pressing again so you do not squeeze out juices.
Have toppings ready before searing: Slice pickles, toast buns, and have ranch open before searing so you can stack burgers while they are piping hot.
Control the heat: If the edges are darkening too fast, lower the heat slightly so the centers cook through without burning the crust.

Energy	1437	kcal
Protein	67	g
Total Fat	107	g
Carbohydrates	36	g
Dietary Fiber	1	g

FAQ

How do I keep the patties from sticking to the pan when I smash them?: Make sure the pan is thoroughly preheated before adding the beef. A very light film of oil also helps prevent sticking. Use a metal spatula and slide it under the patty with confidence once the crust has formed.
My burgers keep turning out dry; what am I doing wrong?: Avoid using very lean beef, and stick with 80% or 85% lean for juicy smash burgers. Do not press the patties after the initial smash, because that pushes out flavorful fat and juices. Also, pull them from the pan as soon as the cheese melts to avoid overcooking the thin meat.
Can I cook these smash burgers on an outdoor grill instead of a skillet?: Yes, but you will want to use a flat griddle plate or cast-iron skillet set on the grill grates. Directly smashing onto open grates will push meat through, so a flat surface keeps the patties intact and seared.
How can I prep parts of this recipe ahead for faster weeknight cooking?: You can cook the bacon and toast the buns a few hours ahead, then store at room temperature. Shape the beef into loose balls just before cooking, because pre-shaped patties tend to compact and lose tenderness. You can also portion the ranch and slice pickles in advance, which makes final assembly very quick.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist, add a layer of caramelized onions between the patties for sweet, savory depth.

Serve these burgers with oven fries and a crunchy slaw to cut through the richness of the sandwich.

If you love heat, drizzle on hot sauce or sprinkle jalapeños over the ranch for a spicy diner-style vibe.

More pairings:

Reviews

Mary, Oklahoma City, OK: Made this and it turned out awesome. The smash method gives you those crispy, lacy edges with a juicy center, and the American cheese melts perfectly into everything. Bacon plus dill pickles is a killer combo, and the ranch makes it extra indulgent without being fussy. Only tip is to really preheat the pan so you get that deep crust fast. Would 100% make again. — 5 ★

Eunice: Happy it was a hit, Mary! Totally agree on preheating the pan well, that’s the key to those lacy edges and a fast, deep crust.