Smash Burger with Spicy Ketchup

by Trini Pepper Sauce September 18, 2025

When it comes to burgers, sometimes simple is best—juicy beef, onions, melty cheese, soft buns, and a sauce that makes everything pop. That’s exactly what this Smash Burger with Spicy Ketchup delivers. The crispy edges of the burger paired with a fiery, tangy kick of Trini Sauce-spiked ketchup is comfort food turned up a notch.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

2 lbs ground beef
½ large white onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
6 slices of American cheese
Burger buns, toasted (Potato buns or brioche)
Thinly sliced pickles
Trini Pepper Sauce
2 tablespoons of Ketchup
Parchment paper

Directions:

Take a handful of ground beef and gently roll it into a ball. Roughly a ¼ lb of beef. Place the ball onto a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process about 6-8 times until ground beef has run out.

Preheat your grill or cast iron pan. Add the burger balls to the pan and top each with a handful of the thinly sliced onions. Season with salt, black pepper and garlic powder.

Cook for about 1 minute and as meat is sizzling take out a small piece of parchment paper and larger metal spatula. Place the parchment paper over one ball and press firmly with spatula until the burger is “smashed” into a thin patty. Repeat for each burger and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Carefully flip the burger and season the new side with salt, black pepper and garlic powder.

Top each burger with a slice of cheese and melt. Once melted pull off each burger and rest for 3-4 minutes.

To make spicy ketchup combine ketchup and Trini Pepper Sauce. Spread the spicy ketchup onto one side of the toasted burger bun and spread Trini Pepper Sauce onto the other side of the toasted burger bun.