Place the ground beef in a bowl. Lightly sprinkle the salt and pepper over the meat and add Worcestershire sauce if using. Gently mix with your hands to combine — do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions (about 8 oz each) and form into rounds about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.

Preheat pan or grill

Heat a large skillet, griddle, or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. The surface should be hot — a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate quickly.

Cook the patties

Place the patties on the hot surface leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip once and cook another 3 minutes for medium-rare to medium (adjust 1–2 minutes per side for rarer or more well-done). In the final 1 minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan briefly (or close the grill lid) to melt the cheese.

Cheese & Toppings

Prepare onions and tomato

While patties cook, thinly shave the red onion into rings (about 1–2 mm thick) and separate into rings. Slice tomato into two even slices per burger. If desired, lightly salt tomato slices and let them sit on paper towel for a minute to draw out excess moisture.

Prep lettuce and pickles

Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and pat the pickles dry if using. Keep these ready to assemble immediately after toasting the buns so they remain crisp.

Buns & Finish

Toast buns

Split the buns and spread a thin layer of softened butter on cut sides. Place buns butter-side-down on the hot skillet or griddle for 30–60 seconds until golden and crisp. Remove from heat.

Assemble

Spread mayonnaise evenly on the inside of the bottom bun. Add lettuce, then the cheeseburger patty (cheese side up). Top with tomato slice(s), shaved red onion, and pickles if using. Add a little mustard and ketchup to the top bun if desired, then close the burger.

Serve

Serve immediately while hot with fries or a side salad. Provide extra condiments on the side.