Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is creative, hearty, and packed with flavor. It combines the crispy edges of a smash burger with the comforting softness of pancakes in one unique dish.
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Easy Smash Burger Pancakes Recipe: Savory, Crispy, and Deliciously Unexpected
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Easy Smash Burger Pancakes are savory pancakes layered with crispy smashed beef patties, melted cheese, and classic burger toppings for a fun twist on breakfast and burgers combined.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 tsp salt (for beef)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/4 cup burger sauce or ketchup
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add egg, milk, and melted butter; mix until smooth batter forms.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and pour small rounds of batter to form pancakes.
- Cook pancakes 2–3 minutes per side until golden; set aside.
- Divide ground beef into small balls and season with salt and black pepper.
- Place beef balls onto a hot skillet and smash flat with a spatula.
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
- Top each patty with cheddar cheese and allow to melt.
- Assemble by placing a beef patty between two pancakes.
- Add onions, lettuce, pickles, and sauce as desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Cook beef on high heat for crispy edges.
- Use mini pancakes for slider-style portions.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef provides the juicy, savory burger base.
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
Black pepper adds mild warmth.
Cheddar cheese melts smoothly and adds richness.
All-purpose flour forms the pancake batter structure.
Baking powder helps create light, fluffy pancakes.
Milk adds moisture and smooth consistency.
Eggs bind the pancake batter.
Butter adds flavor and prevents sticking.
Sugar adds subtle sweetness to balance savory elements.
Lettuce provides freshness and crunch.
Tomato slices add juiciness and brightness.
Pickles contribute tang and contrast.
Burger sauce or mayonnaise adds creamy richness.
Directions
Prepare the pancake batter by whisking together flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan to form a pancake.
Immediately press a thin portion of seasoned ground beef onto one side of the uncooked pancake. Allow the pancake to cook until bubbles form on top.
Carefully flip so the beef side sears directly against the hot skillet. Press lightly to create a smash burger effect. Cook until the beef is fully browned.
Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the beef just before removing from heat, allowing it to melt.
Assemble by stacking two pancakes with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and burger sauce between them. Serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings, with one mini blooming onion per serving. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 12 minutes, making the total time around 27 minutes.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes 15 minutes, with cooking time of 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat pancakes in a skillet to maintain texture before assembling.
Variations and Customizations
Smash Burger Pancakes are highly customizable. I tested this recipe with pepper jack cheese, which added subtle heat and depth.
For a breakfast-inspired version, top with a fried egg. You may also use turkey or plant-based ground meat as a substitute.
If you prefer a more savory pancake, reduce the sugar slightly. Adding caramelized onions between layers enhances sweetness and complexity. These adjustments allow flexibility while maintaining the bold, comforting character of the dish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 690 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Press Thinly
Thin beef ensures quick, even cooking.
Flip Carefully
Use a wide spatula to maintain structure.
Moderate Heat
Prevent burning the pancake before beef cooks.
Serve Immediately
Best texture is achieved fresh from the skillet.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pancake mix?
Yes, prepared mix works well.
How do I prevent the pancake from tearing?
Cook until set before flipping.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They are best served fresh for crisp texture.
Is this recipe sweet?
It balances mild sweetness with savory beef.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What sauces work best?
Classic burger sauce, ketchup, or mustard pair well.
Conclusion
Easy Smash Burger Pancakes offer a bold and creative twist on classic comfort foods. With crispy beef, melted cheese, and soft pancakes layered together, this recipe delivers an indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal that is both fun and flavorful.
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