OKLAHOMA ONION SMASH BURGERS WITH EXTREME TOTS

If you've never experienced an authentic, Oklahoma smash burger before, you have GOT to try this recipe! Crispy, onion-y, goodness! Make a meal out of them with some extreme tots on the side! Yum!

INGREDIENTS:

Burgers
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
Maldon flaked sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Sliced American cheese
Brioche buns
Unsalted butter
1 sweet yellow onion (Vidalia, if you can find it), sliced paper thin
Mayonnaise, for serving

Optional Burger Toppings
Bacon slices (highly recommended)
Shredded lettuce
Pickles
Mustard

Extreme Tots
1 bag frozen tater tots
1 (15 oz) can Hormel no bean chili
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (can use nacho cheese also!)
¼ cup diced white onion
Pickled jalapeños, for garnish
Ranch dressing, for drizzling

Tools 
Cast iron skillet
Air fryer
Saucepan 
Cutting board 
Knife

DIRECTIONS:

1. Loosely form the ground beef into balls using a 1/4 cup measuring cup. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a griddle or large cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Lightly toast the Brioche buns and spread with a thin layer mayo.
3. Generously coat the griddle/pan with butter.
4. Place the ground beef balls, salt and pepper side down, onto the hot pan and top with a ton of sliced onions.
5. Smash the hell out of each ball, using a sturdy metal spatula, until the onions are distributed throughout. Let cook for about 1 minute.
6. Flip, add sliced cheese and the top bun. Once the cheese has melted, remove from the pan and place on the bottom bun. 
7. Add your desired toppings and dig in!
8. For the extreme tots, cook your tater tots in an air fryer (desired method) or oven according to the package instructions.
9. While the tots cook, heat the Hormel chili on the stovetop until simmering.
10. When the tots are done, arrange on a large serving platter and top with the chili.
11. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and onions over the top.
12. Garnish with jalapeños and drizzle with ranch dressing.