Smash Burger
Servings: 4

1 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper, divided
4 hamburger buns, split
Optional: Mayonnaise, sliced American cheese, sliced tomato, dill pickle slices, lettuce, ketchup and yellow mustard

Place a 9-in. cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

Meanwhile, gently shape beef into 4 balls, shaping just enough to keep together (do not compact).

Increase burner temperature to medium-high; add oil.

Add 2 beef balls. With a heavy metal spatula, flatten each to 1/4- to 1/2-in. thickness; sprinkle each with 1/8 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Cook until edges start to brown, about 1-1/2 minutes.

Turn burgers and sprinkle each with additional 1/8 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Cook until well browned and a thermometer reads at least 160°, about 1 minute. Repeat with remaining beef.

Serve burgers on buns with toppings as desired.