Burgers Recipe

Prepare patties

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands just until combined — do not overwork the meat. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each for 1 lb) and form into patties roughly 3/4 inch thick, making a slight dimple in the center of each to reduce puffing while cooking.

Preheat cooking surface

Heat a grill or heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates or skillet lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Cook patties

Place patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook undisturbed 3-4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip once and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium (internal temperature ~160°F/71°C for ground beef). Adjust time for desired doneness. If using cheese, place a slice on each patty about 1 minute before removing to let it melt.

Toast buns

While patties finish, spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of the buns. Place cut-side down on the grill or skillet for 30–60 seconds until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Rest patties

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and let rest 2 minutes to redistribute juices.

Arrange the toasted bottom buns on a work surface. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun (about 1 tsp each), add a lettuce leaf, then place the cooked patty with cheese. Top with tomato slice(s), red onion slices, and pickles as desired. Spread ketchup and mustard on the top bun (about 1 tsp each) and close the burger. Repeat for remaining burgers.

Serve immediately with optional sides (fries, salad) and any optional add-ons such as bacon, avocado slices, sautéed mushrooms, or blue cheese crumbles placed on top of the patty before adding tomato and other toppings.

Bacon: cook bacon in a skillet until crisp (about 6–8 minutes over medium), drain on paper towels, and place 1 strip on each burger during assembly. Avocado: slice and arrange on top of the cheese-topped patty. Mushrooms: sauté sliced mushrooms in 1 tsp butter over medium heat until browned (4–6 minutes) and spoon onto burgers. Blue cheese: sprinkle crumbles over hot patties instead of cheddar for a tangy alternative.