This year, one of the top things on my bucket list was to watch the Dallas Cowboys play 🏈 and experience a true tailgate before the game. So when @solostove invited me to their pregame tailgate party, it was an easy YES from me! 🙌🏽💙
Tailgating has a special kind of energy — friends decked out in jerseys, music playing, grills sizzling, and that contagious excitement as everyone gears up for kickoff. And let me tell you… Solo Stove completely elevated the experience with their innovative new outdoor cooking lineup. From smash burgers to artisan pizza to a cozy, smokeless fire pit moment, they’ve thought of everything.
Smash Burgers on the Steelfire 30 Griddle
The star of the tailgate? Crispy smashburgers hot off the Steelfire 30 Griddle.
This griddle goes from zero to sear in just 7 minutes — that’s 35% faster than traditional cast iron — which means less waiting and more sizzling. No seasoning required, and cleanup is as simple as a quick wipe with water. The pro-grade stainless steel surface gives you that restaurant-style crust that makes smash burgers so irresistible.
Here’s the exact recipe I used so you can recreate the magic at your next game day gathering
Crispy Smashburger Recipe
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 2 pounds 80/20 or 85/15 lean ground beef
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 teaspoons neutral oil (e.g., avocado, grapeseed, or canola)
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- 4 potato buns (or your favorite buns)
- 4 slices of cheese (American, sharp white cheddar, or your choice)
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice or vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Divide the ground beef into six equal portions, rolling them into balls about the size of a golf ball to a mandarin orange.
Gently compress to remove excess air, then chill them uncovered in the fridge. This helps lock in flavor and gives you that signature crust when they hit the griddle.
2. Make the Special Sauce
Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
Chill until ready to use. This sauce is so good — tangy, creamy, a little sweet — and totally makes the burger.
3. Toast the Buns
Preheat the griddle to medium-high. Lightly oil the surface and toast the buns, top side down, until golden and crisp. Set aside.
4. Cook the Burgers
Crank the griddle to high and add a little more oil.
Place the chilled beef balls on the hot surface, then use a heavy burger press or sturdy spatula to smash each one firmly into a thin patty.
Season with salt and let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes, until the edges are browned and crispy.
Flip, top with cheese, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until melted.
👉🏽 Pro Tip: Don’t press down after the initial smash — let them develop that crust undisturbed.
5. Assemble and Serve
Spread the special sauce generously on the toasted buns.
Add the patties and layer on your favorite toppings — lettuce, tomato, pickles, or grilled onions are all winners here.
Serve immediately and enjoy that perfect crispy, juicy bite.
More Game Day Goodness: Pizza + Fire Pit ✨🍕🔥
Of course, the tailgate didn’t stop at burgers. I also got to try Solo Stove’s Pi Prime Pizza Oven — and you guys, I made an artisan pizza in under 90 seconds. It was fast, fun, and tasted incredible.
And to end the night, we gathered around the stunning Summit 24 Fire Pit. Thanks to its smokeless technology (🙌🏽), the Quick-Strike Cone for easy lighting, and its sleek low-profile design, it was the perfect cozy moment as the sun set.
Why I Love Solo Stove for Gatherings
From the speed of the Steelfire Griddle to the fun of the Pi Prime Pizza Oven and the ambiance of the Summit Fire Pit, Solo Stove has truly mastered the art of outdoor entertaining. Whether it’s game day, family night, or just a cool fall evening, their products make every moment feel special.
If you’re planning your next tailgate or backyard party, this Crispy Smashburger Recipe + Solo Stove setup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. 🏈🍔🔥
