Monday Night Burgers Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined; avoid overworking. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing during cooking.

Chill briefly

Set the patties on a plate, cover lightly, and chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and toppings. This helps them hold together on the griddle.

Cook the patties

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–4 minutes). Add a thin film of neutral oil if desired. Place patties in the pan without crowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last minute, place a slice of Cheddar on each patty and cover the pan or tent with foil to melt the cheese. Remove to a plate and rest 3–4 minutes.

While patties chill, make the sauce. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust sweetness or tang by adding more relish or a dash more vinegar. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Prep vegetables: wash the lettuce leaves, pat dry. Thinly slice the tomato and red onion. Lay out pickle slices.

Toast the buns: Spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of the buns. In a skillet used for the patties (wipe out excess grease), toast buttered buns cut-side down over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Keep them warm.

Optional fried eggs and bacon: If using, fry eggs in a nonstick pan to desired doneness (sunny-side-up or over-easy) and cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Assemble the burgers: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then the cheese-topped beef patty, 2 pickle slices, a couple of tomato slices, and a few onion rings. Add bacon and/or a fried egg if desired. Spread a light smear of sauce on the top bun and close the burger.