Cheeseburger Recipe

Form Patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until combined—do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions and form into 3/4-inch thick patties, slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming while cooking.

Cook Patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot (about 3–4 minutes). Add a light swipe of oil if the pan is not well seasoned. Place patties in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium, or longer to desired doneness. With about 1 minute remaining, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan briefly (30–60 seconds) to melt the cheese.

Prep Produce and Buns

While the patties cook, slice the tomato into 1/4-inch slices and thinly slice the red onion. Separate and rinse lettuce leaves, then dry. Halve the buns horizontally. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns.

Toast Buns

After removing the cheeseburgers from the pan, place the buttered buns butter-side down in the same skillet over medium heat. Toast until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Assemble Burgers

Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the melted-cheddar patty, top with tomato slice, a few pickle slices, and red onion rings. Add optional ketchup or mustard if desired. Close with the top bun.

Make Ranch

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Stir in dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon for brightness. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld (can be made ahead and stored up to 3 days).

Serve

Serve the cheeseburgers hot with a small ramekin of ranch sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Offer ketchup and mustard alongside the finished burgers for guests to add as desired.