Sep 05 2026
Restaurants›Phil's BBQ›1/4 Lb. Cheeseburger Recipe

1/4 Lb. Cheeseburger Recipe

Inspired by Phil's BBQ
Time20m
Serves1

Make 1/4 Lb. Cheeseburger Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Burger

Cheese

Bun & Assembly

Method

Burger

  1. 1

    Form the patty

    Gently shape the 1/4 lb ground beef into a patty about 3.5–4 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Do not overwork the meat—press a slight dimple in the center with your thumb to help it cook evenly and reduce doming.

  2. 2

    Season

    Season both sides of the patty with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper just before cooking.

  3. 3

    Preheat pan or grill

    Heat a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes until very hot. If using a grill, preheat to medium-high. Add 1/2 tablespoon oil to the skillet and spread to coat; if grilling, oil the grates lightly.

  4. 4

    Cook the patty

    Place the patty on the hot skillet or grill. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a sear. Flip and cook the second side for 2–3 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature about 160°F/71°C). Adjust time +/- 30–60 seconds for rarer or more well-done.

  5. 5

    Melt the cheese

    When the patty is nearly done (about 30–45 seconds before finished), place 1 slice of American cheese on top. Cover the pan with a lid for 30–45 seconds or close the grill lid to melt the cheese thoroughly.

Bun & Assembly

  1. 6

    Toast the bun

    While the patty cooks or immediately after, spread 1/2 tablespoon softened butter (or mayonnaise) on the cut sides of the bun. Place the bun halves cut-side down in the skillet for about 30–60 seconds until lightly toasted and golden. Remove from heat.

  2. 7

    Assemble the burger

    Place the cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun. Add lettuce leaf, 2 slices tomato, 2 slices onion, and 3 pickle slices as desired. Spread 1 teaspoon ketchup and 1/2 teaspoon mustard on the top bun and set it on the assembled burger.

  3. 8

    Rest and serve

    Let the finished burger rest for 1 minute to let juices redistribute and to allow cheese to set slightly. Serve immediately while hot.

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