Burgers Recipe

Prepare beef mixture

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce over the meat. Add optional garlic powder and smoked paprika if using. Gently mix with your hands or a fork just until combined — do not overwork the meat or patties will become dense.

Form patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently shape each portion into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent excessive puffing during cooking.

Preheat cooking surface

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon neutral oil and swirl to coat. The pan should be very hot but not smoking.

Cook patties

Place the patties in the hot skillet leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip the patties and cook 2 to 3 minutes more for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last 1 minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, cover pan with a lid to melt the cheese.

Rest patties

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and let rest 3 to 5 minutes. Resting keeps juices inside the meat.

Prepare vegetables

While patties rest or cook, slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds and thinly slice the red onion. Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Arrange pickles.

Toast buns

Spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of each bun. Place buns butter-side down in a clean skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Toast until golden brown and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Assemble burgers

Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun and ketchup and mustard on the top bun (or apply to taste). Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, then the rested cheeseburger patty, a tomato slice, a few onion slices, and two pickle slices. Close with the top bun. Repeat for remaining burgers.

Serve the burgers hot with your choice of sides (fries, salad, or chips). Provide extra condiments on the side. Leftover cooked patties keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days.