Create a juicy, flavorful cheeseburger at home that rivals your favorite drive-thru. This recipe focuses on a perfectly seasoned patty, melty cheese, and a toasted bun for that ultimate comfort food experience.
Author:Carla Davis
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:20 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Grilling or Pan-Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices American cheese
4 hamburger buns
Butter, for toasting buns
Instructions
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during cooking.
Season both sides of each patty generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness. Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook, as this squeezes out the juices.
During the last minute of cooking, place one slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Cover the grill or skillet briefly to help the cheese melt.
While the cheese melts, lightly butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns. Toast them on the grill or in a separate skillet until golden brown.
Assemble your cheeseburgers by placing a cheese-covered patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add your favorite toppings and the top bun.
Notes
For an even juicier burger, you can add a tablespoon of finely chopped onion or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture before forming patties.
If you don’t have American cheese, cheddar or provolone also work well.
Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure your burger reaches your preferred internal temperature: 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium, and 155-160°F for medium-well.