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Ingredients
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Patties
Assembly — Buns & Toppings
Sauce
Method
Patties
- 1
Combine meats
Place ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Gently fold the mixture with your hands or a spoon until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep patties tender.
- 2
Form patties
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 8–9 oz each). Lightly shape into 3/4-inch thick patties, making a shallow dimple in the center of each to prevent doming while cooking.
- 3
Chill briefly (optional)
If the meat feels too soft, cover and refrigerate the patties for 15–20 minutes to firm up; this helps them hold their shape when searing.
- 4
Cook patties
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. When the oil shimmers, add two patties without crowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and immediately top each patty with a slice of cheddar or Swiss (2 patties get cheddar, 2 get Swiss if you want variety). Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature ~140–145°F / 60–63°C). Adjust time ±1–2 minutes for desired doneness. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil while you finish the rest.
Sauce
- 5
While patties rest, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, hot sauce (if using), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until assembly.
Assembly — Buns & Toppings
- 6
- 7
Slice tomato
Slice the ripe tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and set aside.
- 8
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1 tablespoon of sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place 2 leaves of lettuce on the sauce, then add a cheesed patty. Top the patty with a spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of caramelized onions and 2–3 dill pickle slices. Add the tomato slice on top of the pickles if desired, then spread another tablespoon of sauce on the top bun and place it on the burger. Repeat for each burger.
- 9
Serve
Serve the burgers immediately while hot with extra sauce on the side. Optionally accompany with fries or a simple green salad.