Sep 06 2026
Restaurants›Donovan's Meatery›Classic Burger Recipe

Classic Burger Recipe

Inspired by Donovan's Meatery
Time30m
Serves2

Brisket, Short-Rib, And Chuck Blend, Cheddar, Mayonnaise, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickle

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties

Buns & Assembly

Cheese & Sauce

Produce & Toppings

Optional Finishing

Method

Burger Patties

  1. 1

    Divide and shape

    Divide the 1 lb beef blend into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball and then flatten into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Do not overwork the meat; handle as little as possible to keep texture tender.

  2. 2

    Make a dimple

    Use your thumb to press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty. This helps the patties cook evenly and reduces doming.

  3. 3

    Season

    Pat both sides of each patty dry with a paper towel, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (about 1 tsp each total, divided between sides).

  4. 4

    Preheat pan or grill

    Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron recommended) or grill over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan and let it shimmer. If using a grill, oil the grates lightly.

  5. 5

    Cook patties

    Place the patties on the hot skillet or grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without pressing down. Flip once and cook another 3 minutes for medium-rare to medium, or 4 minutes for medium-well. Adjust time for thickness and desired doneness.

  6. 6

    Add cheese

    About 1 minute before the patties are done, place a slice of sharp cheddar on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid or tent loosely with foil to help the cheese melt, about 30-60 seconds.

  7. 7

    Rest

    Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and let rest for 3 minutes while you prepare the buns and assemble. Resting helps juices redistribute.

Buns & Assembly

  1. 8

    Toast buns

    While patties rest, spread softened butter on the cut sides of the 2 buns. Place buttered side down in a clean skillet or on the grill over medium heat. Toast until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

  2. 9

    Spread mayonnaise

    Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun and 1 tablespoon on the top half if you like extra creaminess.

  3. 10

    Assemble burger

    Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, then place the cheddar-topped patty on the lettuce. Top each patty with 2 tomato slices, 3 onion rings, and 3 pickle slices. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt onto the tomato slices if desired, and add a few drops of hot sauce if using. Place the top bun over the toppings.

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