Burgers Recipe

Mix and form

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until combined—do not overwork the meat. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and shape into patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly and prevent doming.

Rest patties

Place formed patties on a tray and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the grill or pan; this helps them hold together and results in a better sear.

Cook

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3–4 minutes. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Place patties in the pan leaving space between them. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip once and cook another 3 minutes for medium (adjust time +/− for desired doneness). During the last 1 minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.

Toast buns

While the patties rest after cooking, spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns. Toast them in a separate pan over medium heat or on a griddle for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

Prepare toppings

Arrange lettuce leaves, tomato slices, thin red onion slices, and pickle slices so they are ready to assemble. Pat tomato slices dry with a paper towel to prevent soggy buns.

Make sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, hot sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate until assembly.

Spread a generous tablespoon (or to taste) of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on top of the sauce, then the cheese-topped beef patty. Add tomato slice(s), a few rings of red onion, and pickle slices. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Serve immediately with your choice of sides (fries, chips, or salad).

Leftovers and storage: store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Keep buns and toppings separate to maintain texture. Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.