Step 1

Divide the ground beef evenly into 3-ounce portions and form into balls. Cover and place in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2

Slice the tomato, wash the lettuce, and prepare any other ingredients that you would like on your hamburger.

Step 3

Butter both sides of each bun. Toast the inside of each bun on a griddle or skillet for about 20 seconds or under golden brown. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat your griddle or cast iron skillet to 400° Farhenheit.

Step 5

Place two balls of beef on the hot griddle or skillet. You can cook all of the hamburgers at the same time if your griddle will fit them all. Just work quickly because the meat cooks fast.

Step 6

Press the ball of meat down with a large flat metal spatula. Get the patty as flat and thin as you can. You'll be doubling up the patties, so don't be nervous about a thin patty. It helps to cover the meat with a piece of parchment paper to prevent the meat from sticking to the spatula.

Step 7

Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 8

Flip both patties with a metal spatula making sure to scrape up the crusty layer that has formed on the burger underneath.

Step 9

Place a slice of cheese on top of one of the patties.

Step 10

Cook for 1-2 more minutes. Once the meat is cooked through, place the patty without cheese on top of the patty with cheese. The melted cheese will be sandwiched between both patties.

Step 11

Prepare your hamburger by taking the bottom toasted bun and layering on your favorite condiments, followed by lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Step 12

Lastly, place your smashed burger on top of the layered vegetables. The meat will help keep everything from sliding out when you eat it! Top it with the other half of your toasted bun and enjoy!