Step 1

Divide the beef into 8 portions (about 2 ounces each) and form into balls. Refrigerate until ready to cook.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Working in batches of 2 or 4 if necessary, place the beef balls on the skillet surface and use a large spatula to smash them as flat as they can possibly go, pressing down on the spatula with a measuring cup or coffee mug if necessary. Season with the salt and a pinch of pepper. Cook until the bottoms of the patties are browned and crispy, about 2 minutes. Flip the patties and top each with a slice of cheese. Once the cheese is melted (about 30 seconds), stack half of the patties on top of the other half. Wait a few seconds, then transfer the stacks onto the buns. Repeat with the remaining beef, cheese, and buns.

Step 3

Serve the smash burgers with ketchup and mustard. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, if you like.