Cheeseburger
A quintessential American classic. These juicy, perfectly seared beef patties are topped with melting cheese and crisp veggies, all tucked into a soft, toasted bun. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight dinner or backyard barbecue star.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Patties and Toppings
- b.Gently divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz or 170g each). Avoid overworking the meat.
- c.Form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your buns, as they will shrink when cooked.
- d.Using your thumb, press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty. This prevents them from puffing up into a ball shape.
- e.Wash and prepare your toppings: slice the tomato and red onion, and separate the lettuce leaves. Set everything aside for easy assembly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Buns
- b.Heat a large skillet, cast-iron pan, or griddle over medium heat.
- c.Place the buns, cut-side down, and toast for 60-90 seconds until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. This prevents them from getting soggy later.
- d.Remove the buns and set them aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Burgers
- b.Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the vegetable oil to the same skillet.
- c.Generously season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper right before placing them in the pan.
- d.Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Cook for 3-5 minutes on the first side, until a brown crust forms.
- e.Flip the patties and cook for another 3-5 minutes for medium doneness (145°F / 63°C), or until cooked to your preference. For well-done, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- f.During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty and let it melt completely.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Spread ketchup and mustard on the cut sides of the toasted buns.
- c.Place a cooked cheeseburger patty on each bottom bun.
- d.Layer with your desired toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and pickles.
- e.Place the top bun on and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest burgers, use 80/20 ground beef. The 20% fat content adds immense flavor and prevents the patties from drying out.
- 2Handle the meat as little as possible. Overworking it can result in dense, tough burgers.
- 3Only season the patties right before they hit the heat. Salting the meat too early draws out moisture.
- 4Don't press down on the patties with a spatula while they cook! This squeezes out the flavorful juices.
- 5Let the cooked patties rest for a minute or two before assembling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more flavorful burger.
- 6For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika to the ground beef.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Swap
Instead of American cheese, try using cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Bacon CheeseburgerBacon Cheeseburger
Cook 4-8 strips of bacon until crispy. Place one or two strips on top of the cheese before adding the top bun.
Mushroom Swiss BurgerMushroom Swiss Burger
Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in butter until caramelized. Top the burger patty with Swiss cheese and the mushroom-onion mixture.
Spicy BurgerSpicy Burger
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or a finely chopped jalapeño into the ground beef before forming the patties. Top with pepper jack cheese.
Sauce VariationsSauce Variations
Swap ketchup and mustard for BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, or a special burger sauce made with mayo, ketchup, and relish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and overall function.
Rich in Iron
This recipe provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Provides Essential B Vitamins
Ground beef is a great source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is vital for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A single cheeseburger made according to this recipe contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact fat content of the beef and the type of bun used.