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Ingredients
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Beef Patties
Buns & Sesame
Toppings & Condiments
Pan & Grill Finishing
Method
Beef Patties
Prepare and Form Patties
Place 1 lb ground beef in a bowl. Add 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined; avoid overworking. Divide into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Form each portion into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns; press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.
Cook Patties
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat. Place patties in the pan without crowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving to get a good sear. Flip patties and cook 2 to 3 minutes for medium doneness. If using cheese, place a slice on each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan or add 2 tbs water and immediately cover to help melt the cheese (steam method). Remove patties to a plate and let rest 2 minutes.
Buns & Sesame
While the patties cook, split the 4 sesame seed hamburger buns. Spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides (about 1/2 tbs per bun half). Toast buns butter-side down in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and fragrant, or toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven on a baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes. Set toasted buns aside.
Toppings & Condiments
Prepare toppings: thinly slice the red onion into rings, slice the tomato into 4 even slices, and separate/clean 4 lettuce leaves. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise (1/4 cup), yellow mustard (1 tbs) and ketchup (2 tbs) to make a simple burger sauce; stir until smooth. Arrange dill pickle slices and plate all toppings for assembly.
Assemble burgers: spread about 1 to 1 1/2 tbs of the sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place lettuce leaf on the sauce, then a beef patty (cheese-side up if used). Top with tomato slice, 2–3 red onion rings, and two pickle slices. Spread a little extra sauce or plain ketchup/mustard on the top bun if desired, then close the burger.
Pan & Grill Finishing
Serve immediately: plate burgers while hot. Optionally serve with fries or a side salad. Leftover patties can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.