Mister B's Cheeseburger Recipe

Prepare beef

Place 1 lb ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce over the meat. Gently fold with your hands 6–8 times until ingredients are just combined; do not overwork the meat.

Form patties

Divide the meat into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Shape each portion into a loose ball, then flatten into patties about 4" (10 cm) in diameter and roughly 3/4" (2 cm) thick. Make a slight depression in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming as they cook.

Preheat pan or griddle

Heat a heavy skillet, cast-iron pan, or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 4–5 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl to coat.

Cook patties

Place the patties in the hot pan (do not overcrowd). Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip once and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time ±1 minute for desired doneness).

Melt cheese

About 30–45 seconds before finishing, lay 2 slices of American cheese directly on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid or tent with foil for 30–60 seconds to fully melt the cheese.

Prepare onion, tomato, lettuce, pickles

Thinly slice the remaining half red onion into rings (about 1/8" thick). Slice the tomato into 1/4" thick rounds. Rinse and pat dry iceberg lettuce and tear or trim into bun-sized leaves. Arrange pickle slices.

Assemble on plates

Keep toppings ready near the cooked patties so assembly is hot: onion rings, tomato slices, lettuce, and pickles.

Toast buns

Split 2 brioche buns. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on each cut side. Toast buttered buns, cut side down, in a separate skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Alternatively, toast under a broiler briefly—watch closely.

Make sauce

In a small bowl combine 2 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tsp yellow mustard, and 2 tbs ketchup. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust (add 1 tsp hot sauce or 1/4 tsp smoked paprika if using) for a Mister B's signature tangy kick.

Assemble burgers

Spread a tablespoon of the sauce evenly on the bottom bun. Place a leaf of lettuce, then the cheese-topped patty. Top the patty with tomato slice, a few onion rings, and pickles. Spoon a little extra sauce on the top bun (or spread lightly) and close the burger.

Cut the assembled burgers in half if desired. Serve immediately while hot with fries, chips, or a pickle spear. Provide extra napkins — these are juicy and delicious.