Ricci's Cheeseburger Recipe

Mix and portion

Place the ground chuck in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce over the meat. Gently mix with your hands just until combined — avoid overworking. Divide into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and shape into patties 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 reduce bulging during cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil and swirl to coat. When the pan is hot and shimmering, add the patties (work in batches if necessary without crowding). Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to form a good sear. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes for medium-rare to medium. Immediately after flipping, place one slice of American cheese on each patty and cover the pan with a lid or a large bowl for 30–45 seconds to melt the cheese. Adjust time 1–2 minutes longer if you prefer medium-well.

Rest patties

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil for 3 minutes while you finish buns and toppings so juices redistribute.

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the buns with softened unsalted butter (mix in the optional minced garlic and parsley if using). Return the skillet to medium heat and place buns cut-side down in the skillet for 30–60 seconds until golden and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

Assemble burgers

Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place one lettuce leaf, a cheese-topped patty, two pickle chips, a slice of tomato, and a few rings of red onion. Drizzle about 1/2 tablespoon ketchup and 1/2 tablespoon mustard over the top or spread on the top bun as preferred. Cap with the bun top and press gently to hold together.

Prepare and arrange: Thinly slice the red onion and tomato if not already sliced. Rinse and pat dry the lettuce leaves. Lay out the pickles so they are ready to place on each burger during assembly. Taste and adjust condiment amounts per burger when spreading mayo, ketchup, and mustard.

If using: mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley, then use to butter the buns before toasting as described above.

Serve immediately: transfer assembled cheeseburgers to plates and serve hot with fries or a side salad. Provide extra condiments at the table.