Classic American Cheeseburger Recipe
topped with lettuce, tomato & american cheese
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties
Toppings & Condiments
Buns & Finishing
Method
Burger Patties
Form patties
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz/113 g each). Gently form each portion into a round patty about 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide and roughly 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick. Make a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb — this helps patties cook evenly and prevents doming.
Season
Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, brush or mix 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce into the beef before forming for extra flavor.
Cook patties
Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Place patties in the pan leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook the second side 2 to 3 minutes. In the last 30–60 seconds of cooking, lower heat to medium, place one slice of American cheese on each patty, cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese (about 30–60 seconds). Remove patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 2 minutes.
Buns & Finishing
Toast buns while patties rest: Spread the softened butter evenly on the cut sides of the hamburger buns. In a separate skillet set to medium or in the same pan after removing patties (wipe out excess fat if necessary), place buns cut-side down and toast until golden and slightly crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Toppings & Assembly
Prepare toppings: While the patties cook, wash and dry lettuce leaves. Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick rounds. If using, thinly slice the red onion. Have pickle slices and condiments ready.
Assemble burgers: Spread mayonnaise on the top bun if using, and spread ketchup and mustard on the bottom bun (or apply as preferred). Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun to create a barrier against sogginess, then add a tomato slice. Set the cheese-topped burger patty on the tomato. Add onion slices and pickle slices as desired. Cap with the top bun.
Serve: Serve immediately while hot with extra ketchup or fries on the side.