Texas Special Or Cheeseburger Recipe

Form the patties

Divide the ground chuck into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form each portion into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than your buns. Do not overwork the meat — press just enough to hold together. Use your thumb to make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

Season both sides of each patty evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set patties aside on a plate while you heat the pan or grill.

Slice the yellow onion into 1/4 inch rings. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Add the onions in an even layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize, about 10–12 minutes. For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt and continue to cook until golden-brown. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

Heat a heavy skillet, cast-iron griddle, or preheated grill over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or leave dry if using a well-seasoned cast iron. When the surface is very hot, place the patties on it, leaving space between them.

Cook the patties without moving them for about 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip once and cook another 3 minutes for medium (adjust time +/- 1 minute for desired doneness). During the last 60–90 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet or close the grill lid to melt the cheese.

If using bacon or jalapeños, place cooked bacon on top of cheese after melting and/or scatter pickled jalapeños as desired. For a BBQ variation, brush a little BBQ sauce onto the cheese-topped patties in the final 30 seconds.

Split the buns and spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides. Toast the buns face-down in a clean skillet over medium heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard to make a simple burger spread. Adjust proportions to taste.

To assemble: spread sauce on the bottom bun, place lettuce leaf(s), then a tomato slice, then the cheeseburger patty with cheese, top with caramelized onions, pickles, and any optional bacon or jalapeños. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve immediately with fries, chips, or a side salad. Provide extra ketchup, mustard, pickles, or BBQ sauce at the table.