Traditional Cheeseburger Recipe

Form Patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Do not overwork the meat. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, lightly mix Worcestershire sauce into the meat before forming patties for added flavor (do not overmix).

Cook Patties

Heat a heavy skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush the cooking surface with 1 tsp oil to prevent sticking. When hot (a drop of water should sizzle), place patties on the surface. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving, until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes for medium (internal temp ~160°F / 71°C for well-done; cook to your preferred doneness and local guidelines). During the last 1 minute of cooking, place a cheddar slice on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid briefly to melt the cheese.

While patties are cooking, split the burger buns and spread softened butter on the cut sides. Toast the buns, buttered side down, in a separate skillet or on the grill over medium heat until golden brown and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Prepare the produce: core and slice the tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds (enough for 4 burgers). Cut the red onion into thin rings and separate into slices. Rinse and dry lettuce leaves; trim any thick ribs so they sit nicely on the bun. Lay out pickles.

Spread about 1 tablespoon ketchup on the bottom half of each toasted bun (adjust to taste). Spread about 1/2 tablespoon French's yellow mustard on the top half of each bun (adjust to taste).

Assemble the burger: place 1 lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add a slice of tomato, then the cheese-topped patty. Top the patty with 2 pickle slices and a few rings of red onion. Cap with the top bun. Repeat for remaining burgers.

Serve immediately with fries or your preferred side.