The Loaded Cheeseburger Recipe

Form patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Lightly shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Do not overwork the meat—use gentle pressure so patties hold together but remain tender.

Season patties

Pat both sides of each patty dry with a paper towel. Brush or sprinkle 1 tsp vegetable oil on the cooking surface. Season each side of the patties with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle 1/2 tbs Worcestershire sauce onto each patty and gently press into the meat.

Cook patties

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 3–4 minutes). Place the patties on the hot surface and cook for 3–4 minutes without moving to develop a good sear. Flip once and cook an additional 3 minutes for medium; reduce or increase time for desired doneness. In the last 60 seconds of cooking, place one slice each of cheddar and American cheese on each patty, cover the skillet with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese evenly.

Crisp bacon

While the patties cook, lay bacon strips in a separate cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then fold or stack as desired (two slices per burger).

Prepare vegetables

Thinly slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds (use 2–3 slices per burger). Slice red onion into thin rings and separate into half-rings (about 1/4 cup). Wash and shred the lettuce, then pat dry. Have 4 pickle slices ready per burger.

Make sauce

In a small bowl, combine 3 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tbs ketchup, 1 tsp yellow mustard and 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional). Stir until smooth and season to taste with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Toast buns

Spread 1 tsp butter on the cut faces of each bun. After removing the cooked patties from the skillet and allowing them to rest for 2 minutes, return the skillet to medium heat and place buns cut-side down. Toast until golden and crisp, about 45–60 seconds.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1.5 tbs of the sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a handful (about 1/2 cup) of shredded lettuce on the sauce to create a moisture barrier. Add the cheese-topped patty, then stack 2 slices of bacon, 2–3 tomato slices, 4 pickle slices and some red onion to taste. Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 tbs) of sauce on the top bun and place it on the burger.

Serve immediately while hot with fries, chips, or a side salad. If desired, provide extra ketchup and pickles on the side.