Cheeseburger Recipe

Form Patties

Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form each portion into a patty about 3.5–4 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce doming while cooking.

Season

Lightly brush both sides of each patty with the neutral oil. Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper evenly on both sides. Add 1/4 tsp Worcestershire per patty (total 1 tsp distributed) or lightly mix the Worcestershire into the beef before forming if preferred.

Cook

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy frying pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–4 minutes). Place patties in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 3 minutes on the first side undisturbed to develop a crust. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes on the second side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). Place one slice of American cheese on each patty in the last 30–60 seconds and cover the pan (with a lid or foil) to melt the cheese.

Toast Buns

While patties cook, split the buns and spread softened butter on cut sides. After removing patties to rest, return skillet to medium heat (or use a separate pan) and toast buttered cut sides of buns for 30–60 seconds until golden and lightly crisp. Remove buns and keep warm.

Make Sauce

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, paprika, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until smooth and taste — adjust seasoning or relish level to preference. Set aside.

Prepare Toppings

If not already done, thinly slice the red onion and tomato. Separate and wash lettuce leaves and pat dry. Arrange pickles so they are ready to assemble.

To assemble, spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, then the hot cheeseburger patty (cheese side up). Top with a tomato slice, a few rings of red onion, and 3–4 pickle slices. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the top bun and place it over the burger. Serve immediately with fries or chips.

Notes: Rest cooked patties 2 minutes before assembling if time allows to let juices redistribute. Adjust salt, cheese type, or toppings to taste.