Cheeseburger Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently combine with your hands or a fork until just mixed — avoid overworking. Divide into two equal portions and form each into a loose ball. Flatten each ball into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the bun; make a shallow 1/2-inch dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help prevent doming while cooking.

Preheat skillet or grill

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–5 minutes). If using a grill, preheat to medium-high. Add 1 tsp neutral oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.

Cook patties

Place patties in the hot skillet or on the grill, dimple-side up. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip once and cook 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time to desired doneness). In the final 30–45 seconds of cooking, lay a slice of American cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid (or close grill lid) so the cheese melts.

Toast buns

While the patties are cooking (or after), spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of the buns. Place buns butter-side down in a separate skillet or on the grill over medium heat. Toast until golden and lightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Prepare condiments and toppings

Slice the red onion into thin rings, slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds, wash and pat the lettuce leaf dry, and have dill pickle slices ready. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup together to make a simple burger sauce.

Assemble cheeseburgers

Spread about 1 tsp of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the lettuce leaf on the sauce, then set the hot cheese-topped patty on the lettuce. Top the patty with tomato slice(s), 2 pickle slices, and a few onion rings. Spread remaining sauce on the top bun and place it on the burger. Serve immediately while hot.