Some burgers are complicated. This one is not.
This carnivore smash burger recipe is just beef, butter, salt and cheese cooked hot and fast on a cast iron skillet. You get crispy golden edges, a juicy center and melted cheddar on top in under 15 minutes.
No bun. No sauce. No fillers. Just pure meat.
If you are following the carnivore diet this will become your go to weeknight dinner. It is cheap, fast and incredibly satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret behind a great carnivore smash burger is the fat content in the beef. 80/20 ground beef has enough fat to create those crispy lacy edges when it hits a screaming hot cast iron skillet. The moment you smash the ball flat, the fat spreads across the pan and starts crisping up the edges while the inside stays juicy and tender.
Most people make the mistake of using lean beef. Do not do that. Lean beef will give you a dry, sad patty with no flavor. Always go 80/20.
Why Carnivore Diet Lovers Will Love This
Zero carbs. Zero fillers. Zero nonsense. Just animal protein and fat which is exactly what the carnivore diet is built on. One serving gives you 42 grams of protein and 620 calories to keep you full and fueled for hours.
This recipe is also budget friendly. Ground beef is one of the most affordable cuts you can buy and you can make 4 patties for under 8 dollars.
What You Need
You only need 4 ingredients. Ground beef, butter, salt and cheddar cheese. That is it. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated.
The cast iron skillet is the most important tool here. It holds heat better than any other pan and gives you that perfect crust. If you do not have one, use the heaviest pan you own and get it as hot as possible before adding the beef.
Tips for the Perfect Carnivore Smash Burger
Keep your beef cold before cooking. Cold beef holds together better and gives a better crust when it hits the hot pan.
Do not season before smashing. Season with salt right after you smash the patty. Salting before draws out moisture and you will lose that crust.
Smash hard and fast. The moment the beef ball touches the pan, press it down firmly with a heavy spatula. You have about 2 seconds before it starts cooking and loses its ability to spread.
Do not touch it after smashing. Let it sit untouched for a full 2 minutes. This is how the crust forms. If you keep moving it you will tear the crust and lose all the texture.
Add cheese right after flipping. Place the cheese slice on the patty immediately after flipping so it has a full minute to melt perfectly.
How to Serve a Carnivore Smash Burger
Just eat the patties as they are on a plate. No bun needed. Stack two patties for a double smash burger if you are extra hungry. Some carnivore diet followers add a fried egg on top or wrap the patties in lettuce if they are doing a more flexible version.
How to Store and Reheat
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a hot skillet for 1 minute each side. Do not use a microwave as it will make the patties soggy and ruin the crust.
If You Liked This Recipe
You will also love these other carnivore diet recipes on carnivoremeals.com. Simple, high protein and zero carb meals made for people who eat real food.
If you are on the carnivore diet and craving a burger, this is the only recipe you need. Made with 80/20 ground beef pressed hard on a hot cast iron skillet, you get crispy edges and a juicy center every single time. No bun, no fillers, no carbs. Just pure beef and butter in 15 minutes.
Heat your cast iron skillet on high for 2 minutes until very hot before adding anything.
Divide ground beef into 4 equal balls. Do not pack them tight, keep them loose.
Add butter to the hot pan and let it melt quickly.
Place one beef ball on the skillet and immediately smash it flat with a heavy spatula. Press hard.
Season with salt right after smashing while the meat is still hot.
Cook for 2 minutes without touching it until the edges are brown and crispy.
Flip once, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top and cook for 1 more minute until melted.
Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy carnivore smash burger.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Use 80/20 ground beef only. Leaner beef will not give you the crispy edges.
Keep the beef balls cold before smashing. Cold beef holds together better on the hot pan.
Do not move the patty after smashing. Let it sit untouched for 2 minutes so the crust forms properly.
Cast iron skillet works best. If you do not have one use the heaviest pan you have.
Add cheese right after flipping so it melts perfectly before you serve.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the same skillet.
