Burgers Recipe

Form Patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (approx. 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce bulging during cooking.

Season

Pat both sides of each patty with kosher salt (about 1/2 tsp per patty), freshly ground black pepper (about 1/2 tsp per patty) and brush or sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce across both patties. Do not overwork the meat.

Preheat Pan or Grill

Preheat a heavy skillet or grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until hot. Lightly oil the grill grates or add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to the skillet and spread to coat the surface.

Cook Patties

Place patties on the hot surface. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing down. Flip and cook 3 minutes on the second side for medium doneness. In the last 1 minute of cooking, place a cheddar slice on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese. Adjust time +/- 1–2 minutes for desired doneness.

Toast Buns

While the patties cook, butter the cut sides of the 2 buns with the softened unsalted butter. Place the buns, buttered side down, on the skillet or grill for 30–60 seconds until golden and slightly toasted. Remove and keep warm.

Prepare Spread

Mix the 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard together in a small bowl. Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture on the bottom half of each toasted bun and the remainder on the top halves as desired.

Prep Veggies

Thinly slice the tomato and red onion if not already sliced. Rinse and dry the iceberg lettuce leaves. Measure out pickle slices. Arrange so each burger will receive 2 tomato slices (or equivalent), a few onion rings, 4 pickle slices, and 1 leaf of lettuce.

Assemble Burgers

Place each cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun (over the mayo-mustard spread). Top with a lettuce leaf, tomato slices, red onion, and 4 pickle slices. If using optional bacon, add 1 cooked bacon slice per burger. Cap with the top bun and press gently to set.

Serve the two burgers immediately while hot with desired sides (fries, salad). If holding briefly, tent loosely with foil for up to 10 minutes to retain heat.