Chipotle-Style Beef Smash Burgers with Avocado Crema

Steps

1. Make the crema first: mash the avocado with the greek yogurt, lime juice and a pinch of the salt until smooth; set aside.
2. Make the spice mix: stir together the smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper and the remaining salt.
3. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal loose balls; do not pack them.
4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and toast the bread slices on both sides, about 1 minute per side; set aside.
5. Add the canola oil to the hot skillet, then add the red onion and cook 3 minutes until charred at the edges; move the onion to a plate.
6. Place 4 beef balls in the skillet, smash each flat with a sturdy spatula, and sprinkle with half the spice mix.
7. Cook about 2 minutes until deeply browned, flip, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more until the patties reach 160°F (71°C); move to a plate.
8. Repeat with the remaining 4 beef balls and the remaining half of the spice mix, wiping the skillet if needed.
9. Spread the avocado crema on 4 toasted bread slices, then stack 2 patties, the seared red onion, the tomato slices and the cilantro on each; top with the remaining 4 bread slices and serve.