California Burger Recipe

Make patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form into round patties about 3.5 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Do not overwork the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

Season

Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and black pepper (about 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper total).

Cook bacon (if not pre-cooked)

If your bacon is not yet cooked, fry or bake 8 strips until crisp. For stovetop, cook in a skillet over medium heat 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Grill or pan-sear patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot (about 3–4 minutes). Add a small drizzle of oil if your pan is not well seasoned. Place patties in the pan and cook without moving 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 3 minutes for medium doneness (adjust time for desired doneness).

Melt cheese

During the last 1 minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid or tent with foil for about 30–60 seconds to help the cheese melt thoroughly.

Toast rye

While the patties rest, heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each rye slice (about 2 tbsp total). Toast buttered rye slices face down in the skillet until golden and crisp, 1–2 minutes per side. You will need 4 slices to make 2 burgers (top and bottom).

Prepare tomato & onion

Slice the tomato into 4 medium-thick slices and slice the red onion into thin rings. Lightly season the tomato slices with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom slice of each toasted rye. Add a handful (about 1/2 cup) of crumbled lettuce, then place the Swiss-topped patty on top. Add 2 strips of bacon per burger, a tomato slice, a few red onion rings, and pickle slices if using. Spread Dijon mustard (1/2 tsp per burger) on the top rye slice and place it over the burger. Serve immediately.

If desired, offer extra mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and pickles on the side. Adjust seasoning and serve with fries or a side salad.