Foundry Burger Recipe

Prepare and season meat

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the meat. Add the Worcestershire sauce. Using your hands, gently mix just until combined — do not overwork the meat, about 10–12 turns. Divide into four equal portions (about 4 oz each for 1 lb total) and gently form into patties about 3/4-inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Preheat cooking surface

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3–5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl to coat the pan.

Cook patties

Place the patties in the hot skillet, indentation side up, leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip once and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium doneness. In the final 30–45 seconds of cooking, place a slice of sharp cheddar on each patty and cover the pan with a lid or foil to melt the cheese, about 30–45 seconds. Cook longer (1–2 minutes) if you prefer medium-well to well-done.

Rest patties

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and let rest for 2–3 minutes while you prepare buns and condiments. Resting redistributes juices and helps the cheese set slightly.

Toast buns

Spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of the buns. Place the buns butter-side down in a separate skillet over medium heat (or on the edge of the same pan if there's room) and toast until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Make sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or more mustard if desired.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the mayo-mustard sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a leaf of lettuce, then a tomato slice, and a few rings of thinly sliced red onion. Set the cheddar-topped patty on top of the tomato. Add pickles if using, then spread a thin layer of sauce on the bun top and place it on the burger.

Serve

Serve the Foundry Burgers immediately while hot with fries, chips, or a side salad.