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A luscious cheeseburger with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, tangy onion, and zesty pickle nestles atop a savory beef patty, elegantly presented on a plate.

Best Cheeseburger Recipe

Author: Mandy Applegate
A great cheeseburger is all about getting the perfect balance—juicy beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings tucked into a toasted bun. This recipe keeps things simple, using quality ingredients and a quick sear for that irresistible flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a laid-back cookout, or a game day feast, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. You can prep the patties ahead, store leftovers for a quick meal later, and customize the toppings to suit everyone at the table.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheeseburger
Servings: 2
Calories: 606kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ pound ground beef at least 80/20 is a good combination
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 soft burger buns
  • 2 slices Cheddar cheese
  • 4 romaine lettuce leaves
  • ¼ cup pickles sliced
  • 1 large tomatoes sliced
  • 1 red onion finely sliced into rings
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="SAUNrqcB" upload-date="2025-10-17T07:56:34+00:00" name="Best Ever Cheeseburger Recipe" description="The ultimate cheeseburger recipe for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners." player-type="default" override-embed="default"]

Instructions

  • Divide the ground beef into two equal portions and roll them into balls. Flatten each into a patty slightly larger than your burger bun to allow for shrinkage during cooking. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
    ½ pound ground beef, Salt and pepper
  • Preheat the grill to high heat. Place the cut sides of the buns face up on a tray and toast for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Set them aside.
    2 soft burger buns
  • Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the burger patties and cook for 2 minutes, pressing lightly with a spatula. Flip the patties, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let them rest for 3 minutes before assembling.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 slices Cheddar cheese
  • Mix the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, then spread it onto the bottom bun. Layer with romaine lettuce, tomato slices, and onion rings. Place the burger patty with melted cheese on top, followed by the top bun. Add more sauce if desired.
    4 romaine lettuce leaves, 1 large tomatoes, 1 red onion, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as French fries or a crisp salad.

Notes

  • Use the Right Beef: An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) gives the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. A leaner mix can lead to dry burgers.
  • Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the beef gently when forming patties. Overmixing or compacting the meat too much makes for a dense, tough burger.
  • Season Just Before Cooking: Salt pulls moisture from the meat, so season your patties just before they hit the pan to keep them juicy.
  • High Heat is Key: A hot skillet or grill helps form a flavorful crust on the burger while keeping the inside tender.
  • Don’t Press the Patties Too Much: A slight press when first cooking is fine, but pressing down repeatedly forces out all the juices, making your burger dry.
  • Melt the Cheese Properly: Add the cheese right after flipping the patty so it melts evenly as the burger finishes cooking.
  • Let the Patties Rest: Resting the patties for a few minutes before assembling helps keep all the juices inside.
  • Layer Toppings the Right Way: Place lettuce under the patty to prevent the bottom bun from getting soggy.
  • Optional Extras: Pickles, yellow mustard, and even rashers of bacon can all enhance your burger.

Nutrition

Calories: 606kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 866mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 5678IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 261mg | Iron: 5mg
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