Build Your Own Gt Burger Recipe
for $12, Top it with any of the following for 75¢ each: Swiss, American, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, Crumbled Bleu Cheese, Jalapeño, Avocado, Smokehouse BBQ, Grilled Mushrooms, Grilled Onions, Grilled Bell Peppers. Add bacon for $2
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Burger Patties & Buns
Standard Toppings (each optional; listed quantities are per 4 burgers)
Grilled Vegetables (optional)
For Serving
Method
Burger Patties & Buns
Form the patties
Divide the 1 lb ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form each portion into a round patty about 3/4-inch thick, handling the meat as little as possible. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
Season
Season both sides of each patty with the measured salt, black pepper, and garlic powder just before cooking.
Cook the patties
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot. Add a light oil sheen if using a skillet. Place patties on the surface and cook without moving: 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust ±1–2 minutes for doneness preference). During the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, top patties with chosen cheese slices to melt, cover the pan briefly with a lid or tent with foil to help the cheese melt.
Bacon (optional)
Grilled Vegetables (optional)
Toss sliced mushrooms, onion rings, and bell pepper with 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat a separate skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetables in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, 6–8 minutes. Keep warm until assembly.
Toppings & Assembly
Assemble each burger: place a toasted bun bottom on a plate, add lettuce and tomato if using, set a cooked patty on top. Add chosen toppings per burger — e.g., 1–2 slices of cheese, crumbled bleu cheese (about 1 Tbsp per burger if used), sliced jalapeño, grilled mushrooms/onions/peppers, avocado slices (about 1/4 avocado per burger), and a drizzle of smokehouse BBQ sauce. Add bacon (2 slices) if desired. Finish with condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo) to taste and top with the bun.
Serve immediately with fries or a side of choice.