The Best Ever Cheeseburger

The Best Ever Cheeseburger features juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties, melty American cheese, and a tangy, creamy burger sauce. Start by mixing ground beef with salt and pepper, then form into patties. Cook the patties in a hot skillet until they are lightly charred and topped with melted cheese. Prepare a simple burger sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, and Dijon mustard. Assemble the burgers on brioche buns with the burger sauce and your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles. Perfect for family dinners or cookouts.

The Best Ever Cheeseburger is a classic favorite that never goes out of style. With a perfectly seasoned beef patty, melty American cheese, and a creamy burger sauce, this recipe is bound to become your go-to for family gatherings, weekend cookouts, or a simple dinner at home. INGREDIENTS - ½ cup mayonnaise: Forms the base of the delicious burger sauce. - ¼ cup ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang to the sauce. - 3 tablespoons dill pickle relish: Provides a bit of texture and a tangy flavor to the sauce. - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a slight heat and depth of flavor to the sauce. - 2 pounds ground beef, 80/20: The perfect fat ratio for juicy, flavorful burgers. - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the beef. - 1 tablespoon canola oil: Used for cooking the patties to achieve a nice char. - 6 slices American cheese: Melts perfectly over the hot patties, adding creaminess. For Serving: - Brioche hamburger buns, homemade or store-bought: Soft and slightly sweet, they complement the savory beef. - Romaine or shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch to each bite. - Sliced tomato: Juicy and fresh, a must-have topping. - Sliced red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch. - Dill pickle chips: A classic addition that adds tanginess. INSTRUCTIONS 1. **Burger Sauce:** Begin by preparing the burger sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of ketchup, 3 tablespoons of dill pickle relish, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. This sauce will add a creamy, tangy flavor to your burgers. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the patties. 2. **Prepare the Patties:** In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 ½ teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough. Gently form the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, each about 1 inch thick. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than the hamburger buns, as they will shrink slightly during cooking. 3. **Cook the Patties:** Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet. Cook the patties for about 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, cook for approximately 3 minutes per side. For a well-done burger, cook for about 5 minutes per side. As the patties cook, they should develop a nice, light char. Just before removing the patties from the skillet, place a slice of American cheese on top of each one, allowing it to melt over the hot patties. 4. **Assemble the Burgers:** Once the patties are cooked and the cheese is melted, it's time to assemble the burgers. Place each patty on a brioche hamburger bun. Spread a generous amount of the prepared burger sauce on the top bun. Add your desired toppings, such as romaine or shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced red onion, and dill pickle chips. The combination of these toppings adds freshness, crunch, and additional flavor to the burgers. Serving and Storage Tips - Serve the cheeseburgers immediately after assembling to ensure the patties are hot and the cheese is melted perfectly. - Pair these delicious cheeseburgers with classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. - For an extra touch, lightly toast the brioche buns on the skillet before assembling the burgers. This adds a bit of crispness and enhances the flavor. - If you have leftover patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option. Helpful Notes - Cheese Choice: While American cheese is a classic option, feel free to use other types of cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavors. - Seasoning: Customize your patties by adding different seasonings to the ground beef mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. - Grilling Option: If you prefer, you can grill the patties instead of cooking them in a skillet. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for the same amount of time as indicated in the instructions. Tips from well-known chefs - Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends not pressing down on the patties while cooking, as this can cause the juices to escape, making the burgers less juicy. - Chef Bobby Flay suggests using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties to ensure they are cooked to your desired doneness. - Chef Alton Brown advises letting the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.