Burger Recipe

Form Patties

Divide the ground beef into six even portions of about 6 ounces (approximately 1.5 lb total yields six 6oz patties). Lightly shape each portion into a round patty about 3/4"–1" thick, making a shallow 1/2" diameter dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent bulging while cooking.

Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking. If using, lightly mix 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce into the meat before forming patties for extra flavor.

Preheat Grill or Pan

Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F / 200–230°C). If using a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan, heat it over medium-high until very hot and add 1 teaspoon neutral oil to coat the surface.

Grill or Pan-Sear

Place patties on the hot grill or in the pan, dimple-side up. Cook without moving for 3 to 4 minutes to develop a sear. Flip once and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature about 145–150°F). Adjust time ±1–2 minutes for rarer or more well-done preferences.

Add Cheese

About 1 minute before the patties are done, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Close the grill lid or cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese evenly, about 30–60 seconds.

Remove patties from the heat and let rest on a tray for 2 minutes to redistribute juices.

Toast Buns

While patties cook, split the buns and spread about 1/2 teaspoon (roughly 3 tablespoons total divided among 6 buns) of softened butter on each cut side. Toast buttered cut sides face down on the grill or in a skillet for 30–60 seconds until golden and slightly crisp. Keep warm.

Prepare Vegetables

Place one lettuce leaf on each bottom bun. Slice the tomato into six even slices; lay one tomato slice on each bun. Top with 1–2 rings of red onion and two pickle slices per burger. If using extras (bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions), have them hot and ready to add.

Apply Condiments

Spread 1 teaspoon each of ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on the top bun (adjust to taste). Alternatively plate condiments on the bun sides as preferred.

Assemble: Place the rested cheeseburger patty on the prepared bottom bun (on top of lettuce and tomato). Add optional bacon or other extras. Cap with the condiment-spread top bun.

Bacon

If adding bacon, cook strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 4–6 minutes), drain on paper towels, and place on top of the hot patty before adding the bun.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms in 1 tablespoon butter or oil over medium-high heat until browned and their liquid evaporates, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper and spoon onto the burger.

Caramelized Onions

For caramelized onions, cook thinly sliced onion in 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and deeply browned, about 25–30 minutes. Add to burgers as desired.

Serve immediately while hot with fries, chips, or a side salad.