Name: Post & Unions Cheeseburger Recipe
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 0.5 tbs Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1 tsp vegetable oil; 2 each burger buns (soft, split); 1 tbs unsalted butter (softened); 2 each American cheese slices; 2 each lettuce (iceberg or romaine, leaves); 0.5 each ripe tomato; 0.25 each red onion; 4 each dill pickle slices; 2 tsp ketchup; 2 tsp yellow mustard; 1 tsp mayonnaise (optional)

Method

Beef Patties

Form patties

Divide the ground beef into 2 equal portions (about 8 oz each). Lightly shape each portion into a loose ball, then flatten into 3/4-inch thick patties about the diameter of the buns. Do not overwork the meat—handle gently so patties stay tender. Make a shallow 1/2-inch diameter indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming while cooking.

Season both sides of the patties with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, brush or sprinkle Worcestershire sauce lightly on the top of each patty.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface. Place the patties in the pan (do not overcrowd). Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes for medium doneness (increase time 1–2 minutes per side for medium-well). During the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty; cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese quickly.

Buns & Cheese

While patties cook, split the buns and spread the softened butter evenly on the cut sides.

Toast buns

Place buttered buns cut-side down in a separate skillet over medium heat (or in the same pan after patties are removed) and toast until golden and crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Toppings & Assembly

Prepare toppings: Rinse and pat dry the lettuce leaves. Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds and the red onion into thin rings. Lay out pickle slices.

Assemble cheeseburgers

Spread mayonnaise (if using) on the bottom bun, then add lettuce leaf. Place the hot cheeseburger patty on top of the lettuce so the cheese sits toward the tomato side. Add tomato slice, red onion rings, and pickle slices. Spread ketchup and mustard on the top bun (or on the tomato), then place top bun over the assembled burger.

Serve immediately while hot with your choice of sides.