Cheeseburger Recipe

Form Patties

Divide ground beef into 2 equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose patty roughly 4"–4.5" diameter and about 3/4" thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Season

Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, brush or sprinkle 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce over the top side of each patty.

Cook Patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tsp vegetable oil to coat. Place patties in the pan (do not overcrowd). Cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness).

Melt Cheddar

During the last 60 seconds of cooking, place 2 slices of cheddar on each patty. Add a small spoonful of water to the pan away from the patties and immediately cover with a lid to create steam; this helps melt the cheese evenly. Remove pan from heat once cheese is melted and patties reach desired doneness. Transfer patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest 3–5 minutes.

Prep Toppings

While patties cook, split the burger buns and spread 1 tbs mayonnaise on the bottom half of each and 1 tbs mayonnaise mixed with 1/2 tsp mustard on the top halves (or spread ketchup as preferred). Arrange lettuce leaves, 2 tomato slices, 4 onion rings, and 2 pickle slices per bun ready for assembly.

Toast Buns

In a separate skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbs butter. Place buns cut-side down and toast until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Assemble Burgers

Place a lettuce leaf on each bottom bun, then set the rested cheddar-topped patty on top. Add tomato slices and onion rings, then spread ketchup on the top bun and place it on the burger. Serve immediately.

Oven method (recommended): Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss frozen tater tots with 2 tbs vegetable oil to lightly coat and spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Serve hot alongside burgers.

Frying method (optional): Heat 1/2"–1" vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry tots in batches, turning occasionally, 3–5 minutes until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.

Plate each burger with a generous heap of hot tater tots. Offer extra ketchup, mustard, pickles, or hot sauce at the table. Leftover patties and tots can be refrigerated and reheated; cheese will set but remain tasty.