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Classic Cheeseburgers

Classic cheeseburger recipe that's perfect for any occasion or a simple weeknight dinner. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are vibrant, and it's quick to prepare making it ideal for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 630 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill or stovetop skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Patties

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Assembly

  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns preferably brioche
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles
  • Ketchup and mustard to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Patties

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.

Form into Patties

  • Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. Make a slight indentation in the center; this helps them cook evenly.

Heat the Grill

  • Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. A great sizzle when the patties hit the pan is what you want.
  • Tip: If using a grill, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.

Cook the Burgers

  • Place the patties on the heat source. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip them.
  • Tip: Only flip once for a nice crust to develop.

Add Cheese

  • Place a slice of cheddar on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Close the grill lid or cover the skillet to help the cheese melt.

Toast the Buns

  • While the cheese melts, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.

Assemble

  • Layer the bottom bun with lettuce, add the cheesy patty, top with tomato slices, pickles, and your choice of ketchup and mustard. Finish with the top bun.

Notes

Pro tips: Use high-quality ground beef for better flavor. Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or pepper jack. Keep toppings simple to let the beef shine. Always check internal temperature; burgers should be at least 160°F (71°C).