Name: Kozy Lounges Pop's Burger Recipe
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs vegetable oil (for griddle/pan); 4 to taste American cheese slices; 2 each burger buns (sesame or potato); 1 tbs butter (softened, for toasting buns); 4 each iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves (washed, torn); 1 each tomato; 0.5 each yellow onion; 8 each dill pickle slices; 2 tbs ketchup; 1 tbs mustard; 2 tbs mayonnaise

Method

Burgers

Form patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form into thin round patties slightly wider than the buns (they will shrink while cooking). Avoid overworking the meat. Season one side of each patty with a light sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Place two patties (for one double burger) salt-side down on the hot surface. Cook 2–3 minutes without moving until a brown crust forms. Flip and immediately season the new top side with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook another 1–2 minutes. On the second side, place two slices of American cheese on each patty, then stack a second patty on top of the first (cheese between). Press gently with a spatula for 10–15 seconds to help them adhere. Cook an additional 30–60 seconds until cheese is melted and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Repeat for the second burger using the remaining two patties and cheese.

Buns & Toppings

Prepare vegetables

While the patties cook, slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds. Thinly slice the onion into rings or half-rings. Tear or trim lettuce leaves so they fit the bun. Have pickle slices ready.

Toast buns

Spread the softened butter evenly on the cut sides of each bun. When the patties are nearly done, place the buns cut-side down on the same skillet or a separate pan over medium heat. Toast 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Remove from heat.

Assemble burgers

Place the toasted bottom bun on a plate. Add 2 lettuce leaves, then position the double meat-and-cheese stack on top. Layer 2 tomato slices, a few onion rings (to taste), and 4 pickle slices. Add condiments if desired: a thin spread of mayonnaise on the top bun, ketchup and/or mustard on the bottom or top bun as you prefer. Cap with the top bun and press gently to settle.

Serving

Cut the burger in half if desired and serve immediately while hot, with fries or chips. Provide extra napkins — this is a generous, juicy double cheeseburger.