Burger Night Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork. Divide into four even portions (about 6 oz each) and form into patties about 3/4" thick, making a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to prevent doming during cooking.

Rest

Cover the patties and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up, which helps them hold shape while cooking.

Prepare toppings

While the patties rest, slice the tomato into 4 thick slices, peel and thinly slice half the red onion into rings, and separate 4 lettuce leaves. Measure and set out 8 pickle slices (2 per burger) and 4 cheese slices.

Toast buns

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of each bun. Toast buns, buttered side down, until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Cook patties

Preheat a heavy skillet, cast-iron pan, or grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the cooking surface. Place patties dimple-side up. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes, until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness).

Add cheese

About 1 minute before patties are done, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan with a lid (or tent with foil) for 30–60 seconds to melt the cheese.

Prepare sauces

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust — this will be the burger spread.

Assemble each burger: spread about 1 tablespoon of the sauce on the bottom bun, place a lettuce leaf, then the cheese-topped patty, top with a tomato slice, red onion rings, and two pickle slices. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or additional sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Serve immediately.

Oven-fried or baked sides (fries, tots, waffle fries)

Preheat oven according to package instructions (typically 425°F / 220°C). Spread frozen fries, tater tots or waffle fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 15–25 minutes, tossing once, until golden and crisp. Season with salt immediately after removing from oven.

Coleslaw

If using prepared coleslaw, chill until ready to serve and portion into 1-cup servings. Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

Optional upgrades

For jo-jo fries or onion rings, follow package or recipe instructions and fry or bake until crispy. For side salad, assemble mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and vinaigrette. For cup of soup or loaded baked potato, prepare or heat according to recipe or package directions.

Plate each burger with the chosen side. If offering the menu promotion, note that all burgers are $3.00 off when served with fries, tater tots, waffle fries or coleslaw; substitutions (jo-jo fries, onion rings, side salad, cup of soup, loaded baked potato) add $1.95. Serve immediately while burgers and sides are hot.