Super Burger* Recipe

Form patties

Divide the ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 ounces each). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Do not overwork the meat. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

Season

Lightly brush or rub 1 teaspoon vegetable oil on the exterior of each patty to reduce sticking. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt (about 1/2 tsp per side total) and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce evenly over the top of each patty or mix into the meat before forming if preferred.

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet, cast-iron griddle, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until hot (about 3–5 minutes). Place the patties on the hot surface and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 3 minutes for medium doneness (adjust 1–2 minutes for rarer or more well-done). In the last 1 minute of cooking, place one slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese. Remove patties and let rest 2 minutes.

Prepare vegetables

While the patties rest or while heating the pan, slice the yellow onion into 1/4-inch thick rings or half-rings. Core and slice the green bell pepper into 1/4-inch strips. Clean mushrooms and slice them about 1/4-inch thick.

Sauté

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add the sliced onions and peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the sliced mushrooms, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional). Continue cooking, stirring, for another 6–8 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized, peppers are tender, and mushrooms are reduced and slightly browned. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Keep warm

Lower heat to warm or transfer the vegetable mix to a small covered pan to keep warm while finishing buns and assembling burgers.

Toast buns

Spread about 1 teaspoon butter on the cut sides of each bun. Place bun halves, buttered side down, in a skillet or on the griddle over medium heat and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Assemble burgers

Place each bottom bun on a plate. Put the Swiss-topped burger patty on the bun, spoon a generous portion of the sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms over the cheese, then add any optional condiments to the top bun and close the sandwich.

Serve

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