Dave's Valley Burger Recipe

Form Patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork just until combined—do not overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and form into patties roughly 3/4" thick and slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent excessive bulging during cooking.

Cook Patties

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the vegetable oil and spread. Place the patties on the skillet leaving space between them. Cook without pressing for 3-4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip once and cook another 3 minutes for medium (adjust 1-2 minutes +/- for desired doneness). In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan or tent with foil to melt the cheese. Remove patties and let rest on a plate for 3 minutes.

Prepare Bacon

While patties cook, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices in a single layer and cook 3-5 minutes per side until crispy, turning as needed. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Caramelize Onions

Slice the yellow onion into 1/4" rings. In the same skillet used for bacon (drain some fat if excessive, leaving about 1 tbs or replace with butter), add butter and the sliced onions. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and deeply golden brown, about 12-18 minutes. Season lightly with a pinch of salt toward the end.

Prep Fresh Veg

Slice the tomato into 1/4" rounds. Rinse and dry the lettuce leaves. Keep pickle slices ready.

Toast Buns

Split the burger buns. Lightly butter the cut faces (optional) and toast them on a skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.

Make Sauce & Assemble

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom bun. Place lettuce leaf, then the cheese-topped patty, 2 slices of bacon, a spoonful of caramelized onions, 1-2 pickle slices, and a tomato slice. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Repeat for remaining burgers. Serve immediately.