Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsCarson's Food & Drink - On MainSo-cal Cheeseburger Recipe

So-cal Cheeseburger Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

American cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled smoked onions, bread & butter pickles, and our signature burger sauce

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Ingredients

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Burger Components

Burger Sauce

Method

Burger Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Beef Patties

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about ¾ inch thick.

  2. 2

    Grill the Patties

    Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip the patties and place a slice of American cheese on each one. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked to your desired doneness.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Vegetables

    While the burgers are cooking, wash and dry the lettuce, slice the tomato, and prepare the smoked onions. If the onions are not pre-smoked, slice them and grill or sauté them until they are soft and caramelized.

  4. 4

    Toast the Buns

    Toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until they are golden brown.

Burger Sauce Preparation

  1. 5

    Make the Sauce

    In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Assembly

  1. 6

    Assemble the Burger

    Spread a generous amount of burger sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with lettuce, sliced tomato, grilled smoked onions, and bread & butter pickles. Top with the cheesy beef patty and the other half of the bun.

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