RestaurantsBear Town Bar and GrillCalifornia Cheese Burger* Recipe

California Cheese Burger* Recipe

Time25m
Serves2

Lettuce, tomato, onion, MC's sauce, choice of cheese.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Burger Patties & Seasoning

Method

Burger Patties & Seasoning

1

Form patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than your bun. Avoid overworking the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing while cooking.

2

Season

Season both sides of the patties evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

3

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat. When shimmering and hot, place the patties on the pan. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip once and cook 2-3 minutes more for medium doneness (adjust time for desired doneness). In the final 30-45 seconds of cooking, place 1-2 slices of your chosen cheese on each patty, cover the pan with a lid or tented foil to melt the cheese. Remove patties and let rest 1 minute.

MC's Sauce

4

Make the sauce while patties cook: in a small bowl combine 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish, 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon paprika (optional), and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until assembly. Taste and adjust seasoning to preference.

Buns & Toppings

5

Prepare vegetables

Slice the tomato into two 1/4-inch slices from the half tomato. Separate and dry two lettuce leaves. Use two thin red onion slices (or adjust to taste).

6

Toast buns

Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns. On a skillet or griddle over medium heat (or in the oven), toast the cut sides until golden and lightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

7

Assemble burger

Spread about 1 tablespoon of MC's sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on top of the sauce, then add the cheeseburger patty (cheese side up). Top the patty with tomato slice and red onion rings. Add additional sauce to the top bun if desired, then close the burger. Serve immediately.