Classic All-American Cheeseburger

There's nothing quite like a homemade cheeseburger done right. This recipe keeps things simple: well-seasoned beef, melty cheddar, a soft toasted bun, and all the classic fixings. It's the kind of burger that turns a weeknight dinner or backyard cookout into something everyone remembers. Why this recipe works Using an 80/20 beef blend keeps the patties juicy without falling apart on the grill or in the pan. Toasting the buns in butter adds a golden, slightly crisp bite that holds up to all the toppings. And building the burger in the right order - sauces, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, then the patty - keeps every bite balanced. Serve it with crispy fries, a simple side salad, or classic coleslaw for the full diner experience.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Rest Time 5 mins

Total Time 32 mins

Cooking Method: Grilling, Sauteing

Cuisine: American

Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 375 C

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: 12

Calories: 550

Best Season: Available

Description

The Classic All-American Cheeseburger is a backyard staple: a thick, juicy beef patty seasoned simply, melted with cheddar cheese, and stacked high with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, onion, and pickles on a soft toasted bun. Simple ingredients, big flavor - this is the burger everyone knows and loves.

Ingredients:

1.5 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns
soft and toasted
2 tbsp butter
for toasting buns
4 leaves lettuce
1 large tomato
sliced
1/2 red onion
thinly sliced
8 dill pickle slices
4 tbsp ketchup
4 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp vegetable oil
for the pan

Instructions

1
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
2
Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly wider than your buns, pressing a small dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing.
3
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat with the vegetable oil.
4
Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without pressing down, to lock in the juices.
5
Flip the patties, then immediately top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the burger reaches your desired doneness.
6
While the patties cook, butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a separate pan until golden.
7
Remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes.
8
Spread ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on the toasted buns.
9
Layer lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on the bottom bun, then add the cheesy patty on top.
10
Close the burger with the top bun and serve immediately with fries or chips.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 550kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31g48%
Saturated Fat 13g65%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 890mg38%
Total Carbohydrate 33g11%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 7g
Protein 34g68%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mix. Swap cheddar for American cheese for an even more classic diner-style melt. Leftover patties reheat well in a covered skillet over low heat.

Keywords: cheeseburger, american burger, classic burger, beef burger, backyard bbq