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Ingredients
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Burger Patties & Seasoning
Buns & Toppings
Fried Egg & Finishing
Method
Burger Patties & Seasoning
Form and season patties
Divide the ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form into loosely packed round patties about 3/4 inch thick and slightly larger than the buns (they will shrink). Make a slight shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce dome rise.
Season both sides of each patty evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce evenly across the two patties or mix into the meat before forming if preferred.
Buns & Toppings
Prepare toppings: wash and dry lettuce leaves, slice tomato into 2 slices per burger, and cut red onion into thin rounds. Set pickles and cheese slices ready.
Mix the sauce: in a small bowl combine 2 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp hot sauce (optional). Taste and adjust; set aside.
Cooking Patties & Assembly
Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl to coat.
Add the patties to the hot pan. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip once and immediately place one slice of cheddar on each patty. Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temp ~ 160°F/71°C). Adjust time +/- for desired doneness. If using a lid, cover for the last 30–60 seconds to help cheese melt.
Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 2–3 minutes.
Fry the eggs
In a small nonstick skillet, melt 1 tsp unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Crack two large eggs into the pan, spacing them apart. Season each egg with 1/8 tsp salt and a light grind of black pepper. Cook until whites are set but yolks remain runny, about 2–3 minutes for sunny-side up. For over-easy, cook until whites set and gently flip, cooking 15–30 seconds more.
Assemble the executive burger: spread about 1 tbs of the mayo-mustard sauce on the bottom bun. Place lettuce leaf, then tomato slices, then the rested cheeseburger patty. Carefully place a fried egg on top of the patty. Add onion slices and pickles as desired. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and cap the burger.
Serve immediately while the egg yolk is still runny and the burger hot. Optionally, secure with a toothpick and serve with fries or salad.