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The Ultimate Classic American Cheeseburger Recipe

There is nothing quite as iconic as a juicy, perfectly seared cheeseburger. Whether you are hosting a backyard summer BBQ or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, mastering the art of the cheeseburger is a rite of passage for every home cook. This recipe focuses on high-quality beef, the perfect melt, and a toasted bun that holds it all together.

Classic Backyard Cheeseburger

⏱ Prep: 15 minutes 🔥 Cook: 10 minutes 🍽 Serves: 4 burgers

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Ground Chuck (80/20 fat ratio)
• 4 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 4 Brioche Buns
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 4 Butter Lettuce leaves
• 4 slices Heirloom Tomato
• 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
• Pickle chips
• Ketchup and Yellow Mustard

Instructions

1. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and gently shape them into patties about 1-inch thick. Avoid overworking the meat to keep it tender.
2. Using your thumb, create a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking.
3. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and black pepper.
4. Heat a heavy-duty cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil until shimmering.
5. Place the patties in the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
6. Flip the burgers and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on each. Cover the skillet for 1 minute to help the cheese melt perfectly.
7. Toast the halved brioche buns in the skillet or a toaster until golden brown.
8. Assemble the burgers by placing the patty on the bottom bun and layering with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite condiments.

💡 Chef's Secret Tips

• Use 80/20 ground chuck for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula while cooking, as this squeezes out the flavorful juices.
• Let the meat come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for a more even sear.

Essential Tools for This Recipe

To get the best results, we recommend using these high-quality tools we love.

🛒 View Lodge Cast Iron Skillet on Amazon 🛒 View Cuisinart Burger Press on Amazon 🛒 View Instant Read Meat Thermometer on Amazon

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Making the perfect cheeseburger at home is simpler than you think when you have the right technique. With high-quality ingredients and a hot skillet, you will be serving up restaurant-quality burgers that your family will crave every week.