Belle's Burger Recipe

Form the patty

Lightly break up the 1/2 lb ground beef into your hands and form it into a single round patty about 3/4-inch thick, making a shallow 1/2-inch wide dimple in the center with your thumb (this prevents doming as it cooks). Do not overwork the meat.

Season both sides of the patty evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

Heat a heavy skillet, cast-iron pan, or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–4 minutes). Add 1 tbs vegetable oil and swirl to coat.

Place the patty in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip the patty and cook for another 3 minutes for medium (internal temperature ~145–150°F / 63–66°C). Adjust time +/- 1 minute for desired doneness.

About 45–60 seconds before the patty is done, place 1 slice of American cheese on top, cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese quickly.

Remove the patty to a plate and loosely tent with foil to rest for 2 minutes while you toast the bun and assemble.

While the patty rests, spread 1/2 tbs softened butter on the cut sides of the bun. Place the bun cut-side down on the same skillet or on a separate pan over medium heat and toast until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tsp ketchup, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp sweet pickle relish, 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/8 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp onion powder, 1/8 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper until smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust seasoning (add more relish for sweetness or a touch more vinegar for tang).

Refrigerate the sauce for at least 5 minutes while finishing the burger to let flavors meld (can be made ahead and stored covered up to 3 days).

On the bottom bun, spread about 1–1 1/2 tbs of the special sauce, spreading evenly.

Place the lettuce leaves on the sauce (this creates a moisture barrier and keeps the bun from getting soggy).

Place the cheesy burger patty on top of the lettuce.

Top the patty with 3 tomato slices and 3 thin onion slices (arrange as desired).

Spread a thin layer (about 1 tsp) of special sauce on the top bun, then place the top bun over the burger.

Serve immediately with optional fries or a pickle spear.