The All-american Recipe
Served with American cheese, LTOP and mayonnaise.
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
Buns & Spread
LTOP (Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickle)
Optional Finishing
Method
Burger
Form patties
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose patty about 3.5–4 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick, pressing a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming during cooking. Do not overwork the meat.
Season
Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.
Cook patties
Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat. Place patties on the skillet (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed). Cook 3 minutes on the first side without pressing. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes on the second side for medium doneness. Adjust time slightly for desired doneness.
Melt cheese
About 1 minute before the patties are done, place one slice of American cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet or place a lid over the patties for 30–60 seconds to help the cheese melt evenly. Remove patties and rest on a plate for 1–2 minutes.
Buns & Spread
Split the buns and spread mayonnaise on the cut side of both top and bottom buns (about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons per bun). If desired, spread softened butter on the outside (top) of the buns and toast them, butter-side down, on the hot skillet or griddle for 30–60 seconds until golden.
LTOP (Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickle)
Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch thick slices. Slice the red onion very thin (about 1–2 mm) and separate into rings. Arrange lettuce leaves and pickle slices so each assembled burger will get one lettuce leaf, one tomato slice, 2 pickles, and a few onion rings.
Assembly & Finish
Place a mayonnaise-spread bottom bun on your work surface. Add the lettuce leaf, then the cheeseburger patty (cheese side up). Top with a tomato slice, a few onion rings, and two pickle slices. Add the top bun. Serve immediately while hot.
Makes 4 burgers. Serve with fries or chips as desired.