Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and gently roll each into a ball. Place them on a plate and season generously with salt.
Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s just beginning to smoke, creating a hot, sizzly surface.
Place a beef ball onto the hot skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula or burger press until it flattens to about ¼ inch thick. You should hear a loud crack and sizzle, indicating a crispy crust forming.
Cook the smashed patty for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy, then flip carefully using a spatula. Immediately place a slice of cheese on top and cook for another minute until melted and bubbling.
While the burger cooks, toast the potato buns in the same skillet or in a toaster until golden and crispy on the edges.
Arranged the toasted buns on a plate. Spread ketchup and mustard on the bottom bun, then add a few pickle slices and a handful of raw onion slices.
Place the cooked beef patty with melted cheese on top of the assembled toppings, then cap with the top bun.
Serve immediately with extra pickles or condiments on the side for an ultimate crispy, juicy smash burger experience.
