Italian-style meatballs meet the sizzling hot griddle. They're smashed thin, seared for crispy edges, then layered with marinara, shredded Parmesan, and fresh mozzarella. All that flavor stacks into a soft brioche bun, with marinara on the bottom to keep every bite saucy and satisfying.
What is a meatball smash burger?
Think of your favorite Italian meatball sub, now imagine it transformed into a juicy, griddled smash burger. That's exactly what Meatball Smash Burgers deliver.
Why You'll Love Them
Meatball Smash Burgers combine two classics in one epic sandwich. You get the crispy-meaty crust of a smash burger and the rich, comforting flavors of a meatball sub.
They cook fast on a hot flat top and come together with minimal fuss.
No need for a sub roll, use brioche buns for a buttery, tender contrast to that meaty goodness. This is comfort food leveled up-perfect for a weekend cook-out or any time you need a satisfying meal.
Ingredients You need for this recipe
- 1 lb each ground beef and pork (for tender, flavorful meatballs)
- ½ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon salt pepper garlic powder blend
- 1 tablespoon of bbq seasoning (choose something smokey and savory)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup store-bought or homemade marinara sauce, warmed
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
- 4 brioche burger buns, split and lightly toasted
- Olive oil or cooking spray for the griddle
How to Make Meatball Smash Burgers
Making your meatballs.
This is a really easy but flavorful recipe for Italian style meatballs you can whip up really quickly. In a bowl combine a 50-50 mix of ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings together.
I like to use my All Day and All Night seasonings together. You can also use salt, pepper, garlic powder and your favorite bbq seasoning.
Form 2-3 ounce meatballs and heat your griddle or cast iron skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Lightly oil the surface.
Smashing the meatballs
Place meatballs on the hot griddle. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, smash each ball down into a thin patty.
Hold for 10-15 seconds to set the crust, then cook for another minute or until deeply browned. Flip and repeat with the other meatballs.
Adding the sauce and cheese to your meatballs.
After flipping, immediately spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara onto each patty. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan, then layer fresh mozzarella.
Cover the griddle with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese without overcooking the meat.
Toasting your buns
While the cheese melts, add the brioche buns to the griddle, cut side down with a little butter, until lightly golden. This only takes 30 seconds but the toasted buns help hold everything together.
Assembling the meatball smash burger
Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom bun to catch any juices. Place the cheesy meatball patty on top. Crown with the top bun, press gently, and serve immediately!
If you love smashed burgers try these recipes!
Greek style smash burger pitas
Oklahoma style onion smashed burgers
Onion wrapped Flying Dutchman burger
Tips for the best smashed meatballs
- High heat is key. A scorching griddle gives you that signature crispy edge.
- Don't overwork the meat. Loose meatballs smash into juicy patties.
- Cheese cover trick. Tent the burgers so the cheese melts evenly without drying out the meat.
Get that crisp-meaty crust, melty cheese, and tangy sauce in every bite. Give these Meatball Smash Burgers a try next time you crave bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort.
You'll never look at a regular smash burger the same way again. Enjoy!
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Meatball Smash Burger Recipe
Enjoy the ultimate crossover of Italian sub and smash burger-crispy edges, melty cheese, and saucy bites in every sandwich!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- ½ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp salt-pepper-garlic-powder blend
- 1 tbsp smoky BBQ seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup marinara sauce, warmed
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
- 4 brioche burger buns, split and lightly toasted
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for griddle
Instructions
- Mix the meatball base. In a bowl, gently combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt-pepper-garlic blend, and BBQ seasoning-don't overwork.
- Shape meatballs. Form the mixture into 2-3 oz balls and set aside.
- Heat and oil. Preheat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high until it shimmers; lightly coat with oil.
- Smash and sear. Place meatballs on the hot surface. Using a heavy spatula or burger press, smash each one into a thin patty. Hold for 10-15 seconds to set the crust, then cook for 1-2 minutes until deeply browned.
- Flip and sauce. Flip each patty. Immediately spoon ~2 tablespoon marinara onto each, sprinkle with Parmesan, then top with mozzarella. Cover the griddle (or tent with foil) to let the cheese melt.
- Toast the buns. While cheese melts, butter cut sides of the buns and place them cut-side down on the griddle for about 30 seconds, until golden.
- Assemble burgers. Spread a thin layer of marinara on each bottom bun, top with a cheesy meatball patty, then finish with the top bun. Press gently and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: Italian American
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