Joey Cheeseburger Recipe

Form patties

Divide the ground chuck into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape each portion into thin round patties slightly wider than the buns, handling the meat minimally to avoid compacting.

Season both sides of each patty evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and spread to coat the cooking surface.

Cook the patties in two batches if necessary. Place two patties on the hot surface and sear for 2–3 minutes without moving to develop a crust.

Flip the patties and immediately top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done (or 155°F/68°C if you prefer slightly less cooked). Remove cooked patties and keep warm; repeat with remaining patties.

While patties rest, preheat a small skillet over medium heat with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Thinly slice the small yellow onion.

Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–12 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Reduce heat if browning too quickly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, the cooled roasted onion (reserve a few teaspoons of finely chopped onion for garnish if desired), 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning.

Lightly toast the buns cut-side down on the griddle or in a toaster until golden, about 1 minute.

Spread about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of roasted onion aioli on the bottom half of each bun.

Place a lettuce leaf on the aioli, then stack two cheese-topped patties on each bun bottom (one on top of the other).

Top the patties with 4 pickle slices each, then spread a little aioli on the top bun and place it over the stack.

Serve immediately with fries or your preferred side.