Classic American Burger
Sink your teeth into the ultimate juicy, homemade American cheeseburger featuring a perfectly seared beef patty and all the traditional toppings.
Ingredients
- •1.5 pounds ground beef chuck (80/20 ratio)
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •4 hamburger buns
- •4 slices dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative (or regular cheddar if preferred)
- •4 lettuce leaves
- •1 large tomato, sliced
- •1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- •4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- •2 tablespoons ketchup
- •1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- •4 dill pickle slices
Instructions
- 1
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape them into patties about 1/2-inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- 2
Season both sides of each patty generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- 3
Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
- 4
Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes without moving them until a deeply golden-brown crust forms.
- 5
Flip the burgers, top each with a slice of cheese, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes for medium-doneness.
- 6
Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- 7
Toast the hamburger buns cut-side down in the same skillet for 1 minute until golden and crisp.
- 8
Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard together in a small bowl to make the special burger sauce.
- 9
Spread the sauce on the top and bottom of each toasted bun.
- 10
Assemble the burgers by layering the bottom bun with lettuce, tomato slices, the cheesy beef patty, red onion, and pickles, then top with the upper bun.
💡 Chef tips
- For the juiciest burgers, use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio and do not press down on the patties while they cook.
- You can shape the patties up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill or pan-sear.
- Toast the buns just before assembling to prevent them from becoming soggy from the juicy patty and sauce.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished burger should feature a savory, caramelized crust on the outside, a juicy and tender interior, and a harmonious balance of crisp fresh vegetables and tangy sauce on a toasted bun.