Cheeseburger Deluxe Recipe

Mix

Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and optional garlic powder and smoked paprika. Gently combine with your hands or a spatula until just mixed—do not overwork the meat to avoid tough patties.

Form Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Lightly form each portion into a patty about 3.5 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming as they cook.

Rest

Place patties on a plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes while you prepare other components. This helps them hold together when cooking.

Cook

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. When shimmering, add patties leaving space between them. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness. In the last 1 minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty, cover the pan briefly with a lid to melt the cheese.

Cook Bacon (if using)

While patties rest or cook, place bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Prepare Vegetables

Slice the tomato into 4 even rounds. Thinly slice the red onion into rings and separate. Rinse and pat dry lettuce leaves. Have pickle slices ready.

Toast Buns

Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter on the cut face of each bun half. In a clean skillet over medium heat, place buns cut-side down and toast until golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, toast under a broiler for 45-60 seconds; watch closely to avoid burning.

Assemble Sauce

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust quantities to preference.

On the bottom half of each toasted bun, spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce. Place a lettuce leaf, then a cheese-topped patty. Top each patty with two pickle slices, a tomato round, a few onion rings, and one sliced bacon strip (or one ounce cooked bacon) if using. Spread a little extra sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve immediately while hot with your choice of sides (fries, chips, or a side salad).