Name: Sj's Restaurants Buffalo Bill Burger Recipe
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbs vegetable oil; 2 tbs unsalted butter; 3 tbs hot sauce (Frank's RedHot or similar); 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 0.5 tsp honey; 0.25 tsp garlic powder; 0.125 tsp salt; 4 slice American cheese slices; 2 unit hamburger buns (sesame or brioche); 4 leaf leaf lettuce (butter or romaine leaves); 1 unit tomato; 2 tbs mayonnaise; 1 tbs unsalted butter (for toasting buns); 4 slice pickles (optional)

Method

Burger Patties

Mix and form patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently combine with your hands or a fork — do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions (about 8 oz each) and form into patties about 3/4–1 inch thick, slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to prevent bulging while cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil to the pan (or oil the grill grates). When the surface is hot and shimmering, add the patties. Cook without moving 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 3 minutes for medium doneness. During the last 1 minute of cooking, brush each patty with 1–2 tablespoons of the prepared buffalo sauce and top each with two slices of American cheese (or one folded slice if preferred). Cover the pan briefly with a lid or foil to melt the cheese, about 30–60 seconds.

Buffalo Sauce (for burger & optional dipping)

While patties cook, make the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Whisk in hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and combined. Taste and adjust balance — add more hot sauce for heat or a touch more honey for sweetness. Keep warm until ready to brush on the patties and to serve as a dipping sauce.

Toppings & Assembly

Prepare buns and vegetables

Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch thick slices and set aside. Lightly toast the hamburger buns: melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat and toast the cut sides of the buns until golden, about 30–60 seconds. Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the bottom bun and optional 1/2 tablespoon on the top bun.

Assemble the Buffalo Bill Burger

Place lettuce on the bottom bun, add a slice or two of tomato, then place the hot cheeseburger patty on top. Spoon a little extra buffalo sauce over the melted cheese if you like it saucier. Add pickles if using, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately with remaining buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.