American Buffalo Bill Burger Recipe

Form patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a patty roughly 4 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing while cooking.

Season both sides of each patty evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder just before cooking.

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise (3 tbs), hot sauce (1.5 tbs), honey (1/2 tbs), lemon juice (1/2 tsp), black pepper (1/8 tsp) and salt (1/8 tsp). Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust hot sauce or honey to preference. Set aside in refrigerator until assembly.

Slice buns if not pre-sliced. Butter the cut faces lightly with 1 tablespoon softened butter total (about 1/2 tbs per bun face).

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place buttered cut sides down and toast until golden (1–2 minutes). Remove and keep warm.

Prepare toppings: wash and dry lettuce leaves, slice tomato into 1/4" rounds, thinly slice red onion if using, and have pickle slices ready. Place on a plate for quick assembly.

Heat a cast-iron skillet, griddle, or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add a light smear of oil if the pan is not well seasoned. Once hot (should sizzle), place patties in the pan.

Cook uncovered for about 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature ~140–145°F / 60–63°C). Adjust time for preferred doneness.

About 1 minute before removing from the pan, place one slice of American cheese on each patty and cover the pan with a lid or a large metal bowl to trap steam and fully melt the cheese (about 30–60 seconds). Remove patties to a plate and let rest 1–2 minutes.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared Buffalo-style sauce on the bottom bun (adjust to taste).

Place the cheese-topped patty on the sauced bottom bun.

Top the patty with a lettuce leaf, then a slice of tomato (or omit per guest preference), then red onion slices and pickles if desired.

Spread a thin layer of the remaining sauce on the top bun, then close the burger and press gently to set.

Serve immediately with fries or a side of choice.