Italian Style Smash Burgers Recipe

Inspired by bold Italian flavors and the irresistible crunch of a classic smash burger, this recipe brings together juicy seasoned beef patties, golden fried onions, and a rich garlic aioli for a mouthwatering twist on a backyard favorite. With a blend of garlic, onion, and black pepper in the burger seasoning, each patty is packed with savory depth, then smashed thin and seared to perfection. Layered on toasted brioche buns with melty provolone, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles, this burger is a crave-worthy fusion of comfort and sophistication―perfect for elevating your next cookout or weeknight dinner.

Italian Style Smash Burgers

Recipe By: Maria Hensinger | Stillwood Kitchen

US Wellness Meats Shopping List – Ground Beef

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Serves: 6

Ingredients

Garlic Aioli

• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 clove Garlic. Use a medium-sized clove
• 1 pinch Sea Salt. Use fine sea salt

Burger Seasoning

• 1 tsp Sea Salt. Use fine sea salt
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Fried Onions

• 1-2 Large Yellow Onions Thinly sliced
• 1/4 tsp Burger Seasoning
• 2-3 tbsp Olive Oil or butter

For The Burgers

• 2 lbs Ground Beef 80-85% lean
• 7 Hamburger Buns/Brioche Burger Buns Can use gluten-free buns if needed
• 3 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 bunch Shredded Lettuce Optional
• Dill Pickles Optional

Instructions

Make the Garlic Aioli

1. To a small bowl, add the mayonnaise. Grate in the garlic clove, then add the salt and black pepper. Mix well and place in the refrigerator until ready for serving.

Burger Dust/Seasoning

1. Add all the spices to a small bowl, whisk and set aside.

Prep The Burgers

1. Divide the ground beef into 12-13 pieces, approximately 1/4 cup or 2 1/2 oz.
2. Roll each piece into a ball and place onto a tray. Refrigerate while you prep the other ingredients.
3. In a large dry skillet, toast the burger buns, then set them aside.
4. In the same skillet, warm the butter or olive oil and then add the sliced onions. Stir in 1/4 tsp of the burger seasoning. Sauté until the onions are soft, tender, and slightly charred, then remove them to a serving bowl.
5. Place two burger balls onto the skillet and let them fry for 30 seconds, then place a small piece of parchment paper over one of the burger balls and smash with a spatula until it’s nice and flat (You may need to move your spatula around) . Repeat the process with the other burger.
6. Sprinkle 1/8 tsp of the burger seasoning on the one side of the burger. Once it’s browned and slightly crispy flip the burger and add another 1/8 tsp of the burger seasoning and 1/4 tsp of the Worcestershire sauce.
7. Once the burgers are cooked to your liking, add one slice of provolone cheese to the top of each burger. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt.
8. Layer the two burgers on top of each other, then onto the burger bun.
9. Top the bun with the fried onions, garlic aioli, and pickles.

Chef’s Notes

Use gluten-free buns if necessary. You can make these into regular-size burger patties instead of smashing them if desired. Buns do not have to be toasted. Parchment paper ensures that the spatula doesn’t stick to the meat.

Huge thanks to Chef Maria Hensinger of Stillwood Kitchen for this Italian-inspired twist on the classic smash burger—rich, juicy, and full of bold flavor! Craving more recipes like this? Head to our Discover blog for more culinary inspiration.