Name: Ultimate American Cheeseburger
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 slices American cheese; 4 soft hamburger buns; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 large tomato, sliced; 4 leaves crisp iceberg lettuce; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; Dill pickle chips; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard

Ultimate American Cheeseburger

miradu

This Ultimate American Cheeseburger is all about classic flavors and crave-worthy textures. By using an 80/20 beef blend and searing the patties on a blazing-hot skillet, you get those signature crispy edges and juicy centers, just like your favorite diner. Toasting the buns in butter adds richness and crunch, while the tangy burger sauce, fresh veggies, and gooey American cheese bring everything together. It's nostalgic, satisfying, and perfect for a sunny California evening or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Instructions

Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently form into loose balls. Press each ball into a 1/2-inch thick patty slightly wider than the buns. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Preheat a heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Toast the buns, cut side down, with a thin layer of butter until golden, 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
Increase heat to high. Place patties on the hot skillet. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes for a deep brown crust. Flip each patty, top immediately with a slice of American cheese, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and center is medium-rare to medium.
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create a classic burger sauce.
Spread sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, burger patty with melted cheese, a few onion rings, and pickle chips. Cap with the top bun.
Serve hot with your favorite sides.