CookSnap is coming soon — Join the waitlist →

In-N-Out Style Burger

Juicy smashed beef patties with crispy edges, melted American cheese, and a tangy spread on toasted buns. Ready in 15 minutes with classic diner technique.

Total time
15 min
Servings
2
Calories
580
Protein
32g
In-N-Out Style Burger
comfortcasualcalifornianbeefcrispyjuicymeltyweeknight

Ingredients

  • ½ lb ground beef, 80/20
  • 2 slices American cheese slices
  • 2 buns hamburger buns
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions—each the size of a golf ball. Roll each portion gently between your palms into a loose, lightly packed ball, leaving air pockets inside.

  2. 2

    Stir the mayonnaise and ketchup together in a small bowl until combined. This is your burger sauce.

  3. 3

    Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly, about 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Place 2 beef balls on the hot skillet, leaving 3 inches of space between them. Immediately use a flat spatula to press each ball straight down firmly into a thin patty about 1/8-inch thick and 4 inches wide, held in place for 15 seconds.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper over the top of each patty. Let them cook without moving for 2 minutes until the edges are deeply golden brown and crispy.

  6. 6

    Flip each patty using the spatula and cook the other side for 1 minute until lightly browned. The patty should be thin and crispy, not thick.

  7. 7

    Immediately lay 1 slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Remove from the heat and let sit in the skillet for 30 seconds while the cheese melts.

  8. 8

    Repeat steps 4 through 7 with the remaining 2 beef balls to cook the second batch of patties.

  9. 9

    Place the hamburger buns cut-side down in the skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds until lightly toasted and warm, then transfer to a clean surface.

  10. 10

    Spread 1 tablespoon of burger sauce on the bottom half of each bun, covering the surface lightly.

  11. 11

    Stack 2 melted cheese-covered patties on top of the sauce on each bun bottom, then cover with the top bun.

Tools you’ll need

  • 10-inch cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet
  • flat metal spatula
  • small bowl
  • spoon

Cook smarter

Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge

CookSnap is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.