Name: Smash Burger Recipe Caprese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds of cold ground beef, preferably 80/20; salt and pepper; 2 large tomatoes, sliced; 8 slices fresh mozzarella; Fresh basil leaves; Hamburger buns (optional)

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This healthy, low carb smash burger recipe is a fresh take on a classic—think Caprese meets comfort food. Juicy, crispy-edge beef patties are layered with mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, and fresh basil. It’s rich, savory, and bursting with fresh flavor—perfect for a low-carb meal that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction. Feel free to use buns if you’d like—this burger is just as delicious stacked the classic way!

Your guide to this healthy low carb smash burger.

My take on this recipe.
Why you will love this smash burger recipe.
How to make your own smash burger recipe.
Tips for the best smash burger recipe every time.

My take on this recipe.

Honestly, I’m always looking for fun ways to reinvent the usual. This smash burger recipe came from wanting to make something a little different—and a little healthier—while still keeping all the flavor of a classic smash burger.

I had a million ideas, but it’s summer, and Caprese just felt right. Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil—it all came together like the perfect seasonal twist on a grilled favorite. Add pesto for extra indulgence.

Skip the bun to make it super low carb or sink your teeth into a burger with the bun, either way it’s delicious.

If you are looking for a meatless burger, you have to try my super flavorful Feta and Sun-dried Tomato White Bean Burgers.

Why you will love this healthy smash burger recipe.

It’s the perfect mash-up of fresh summer flavors and comfort food satisfaction.

It’s juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—but also lighter, thanks to the bun-free, veggie-forward twist.

The mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and basil bring a bold Italian vibe, while the crispy-edged smash burger gives it that irresistible, indulgent bite.

It’s fun, unexpected, and feels a little fancy without any extra fuss. In fact, it takes about 15 minutes to make!

If you’re skipping the bun, grab a fork and knife—this one’s worth it! For easier slicing and perfect bites, use thin slices of tomato and mozzarella.

How to make your own smash burger recipe.

1. Preheat your pan
Use a cast iron skillet, stainless steel skillet, or flat-top griddle. I do not recommend non-stick skillet.

Heat the pan over medium-high for about 2-5 five minutes (depending on the type of pan you are using) until it’s very hot. If using stainless steel, add a light layer of oil to the pan before placing the meat balls in the pan.

2. Portion your meat
Use 3-4 ounces of cold ground beef (80/20 is ideal) per patty, which is roughly the size of a golf ball.

I have used 85/15 without issue. Keep the meat loosely packed—don’t form into tight patties.

3. Season generously
Just before cooking, season with salt and pepper (plus garlic/onion powder if you’d like).

4. Smash it down
Place the ball of meat on the hot pan, seasoned side up, and immediately smash it down with a spatula or burger press.

I use a spatula and a potato masher on top of the spatula to apply even more pressure. You can also use a small canned item from your pantry to press on top of the spatula.

Flatten it to about 1/4 inch thick. Hold for 10 seconds to get that crust.

5. Let it sear
Don’t move it! Let it cook for about 2 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy.

Smash burger caprese style — Caprese Style Smash Burger with Pesto

6. Flip and top
When flipping, a metal spatula should be used to scrape up all the crust, ensuring a crispy, flavorful base for the burger.

Flip the burger once and add cheese (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds (depending how thick your burger is) to a minute until cheese melts and burger is just cooked through.

7. Stack and serve
That is it!!

Healthy smash burger recipe tips.

High heat. The key to a smash burger’s crispy, flavorful crust is high heat.
Chilled hamburger meat. The fat in cold meat will be solid resulting in the burger patty retaining more moisture from the fat.
High fat hamburger meat. Besides flavor and crispiness, this will also ensure they don’t fall apart.
Loosely formed balls allow for easier smashing.
Use a very sturdy stainless steel (preferable) spatula for removing the burger patty from the pan.
Allow space for the individual burger patties in the pan for maximum crust.
Keep burger patties warm on a plate covered with foil.

Recipe Insights

As with all my recipes, I did plenty of research and testing to get this one just right. If you’re curious to dive deeper into smash burger techniques, I’ve linked my favorite article here for a more in-depth look.